St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Deacons, Become What You Are
Diaconal Ministries seeks to renew the Church by inspiring both deacons and priests to rediscover and more fully integrate the diaconate into their lives and ministry. For priests, this involves a deeper embrace of their diaconal identity, which remains an indelible part of their ordination. By
fostering a greater intimacy with Christ the Servant - whom both deacons and priests are configured to serve - Diaconal Ministries aims to enhance their effectiveness in bringing Jesus to those they serve.
Building upon the foundations of Pope John Paul II’s personalism and in fidelity to the Magisterium, Diaconal Ministries offers an array of presentations, retreats, and resources. These are designed not only to deepen deacons' own diaconate but also to assist priests in revisiting their diaconal ordination, encouraging a more integrated expression of service within their priestly life. Through this holistic approach, Diaconal Ministries contributes to the renewal of the priesthood, fostering a Church where the diaconal dimension of ministry - rooted in humble service - animates the pastoral mission in a profound and transformative way.
THE DIRECTOR
Deacon Dominic Cerrato is Director of the Office of the Diaconate for the Diocese of Joliet, Editor of Our Sunday Visitor’s The Deacon magazine, and Director of Diaconal Ministries. He has taught theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Duquesne University of the Holy Ghost, and Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He has over 40 years of experience in catechetical and pastoral ministry on both the diocesan and parish levels.
Deacon Dominic possesses a BA in Theology from Franciscan University, a MA in Theology from Duquesne University, where he also completed his Ph.D. coursework. In 2009, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the Graduate Theological Foundation.
Ordained in 1995 as the first permanent deacon of the Diocese of Steubenville at the age of 35, Deacon Dominic is a national speaker, author, and retreat master. Beyond scholarly papers and popular articles, he has published several books on diaconal theology and spirituality. He is also a novelist and recently published the historical fiction Battle in the Pacific. In 2020, he was appointed by Pope Francis to an international papal commission to study the question of women and the diaconate.
Deacon Dominic and his wife Judith have been married since 1982 and they have seven children and many grandchildren.
OUR PATRONESS
Mary. Mother of the Diaconate
This ministry would not be complete without commending it to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her example of humble service bore Christ the Servant giving the diaconate its perfect model. Beyond that, insofar as she is the mother of Christ the Servant, and insofar as deacons are configured to that same Christ, she is not only His mother the order of sacred service, but
ours as well. With this in mind, to her many titles one more can be added, Mater Diaconati (Mother of the Diaconate). Joining our voice to hers, let is always respond to the call of the Holy Spirit by saying, “We are the servants of the Lord, let it be done to us according to His word.”
