Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC

Q : David Frazelle is a deacon; Bill Joyner and Martha Hart are also
deacons. What is the difference? And what does David need to do
before being ordained priest?

David Frazelle's reply:

Bill and Martha are "permanent" or "vocational" deacons, whereas I am a "transitional" deacon. In other words, the Church understands Bill and Martha to be called to a special service to God in the community, with an emphasis on the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely. The Church understands me to be called to the same work, but as part of my vocation to the priesthood, in which I will work as pastor, priest, and teacher and take part in church councils. For a fuller outline of how the Church understands these distinct but related vocations, see pp. 531 and 543 of the Book of Common Prayer.

Before ordination to the priesthood, I must work for at least six months as a deacon, apply for ordination to the priesthood, and gain the final approval of the diocesan Commission on Ministry, Standing Committee, and the Bishop. I appear before the committees on April 18. God willing and the people consenting, I will be ordained to the priesthood on Sunday, June 5, at the 5:15 service. It will be an occasion for the entire parish, and I sincerely hope that as many of you as possible will participate.

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