St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Diaconal Ministries exists to renew the Church by inspiring deacons to become more fully who they are so as to more effectively bring Jesus to those they serve. This is accomplished by deepening the deacon's intimacy with Christ the Servant to whom he was configured on the day of his ordination. Building upon the foundations of Pope John Paul II’s personalism and in service to the Magisterium, Diaconal Ministries offers an array of presentations, retreats and resources enabling deacons to grow in their own diaconate.
THE DIRECTOR
Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Ph.D.
Deacon Dominic Cerrato is Director of Diaconal Ministries and Director of the Diaconate for the Diocese of Joliet. He is also the Editor of Our Sunday Visitor's "The Deacon" magazine and was chosen by Pope Francis to be a member of the international Papal Commission on Women and the Diaconate. Formerly, he served in full-time pastoral ministry specializing in adult faith formation. He has
taught theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Duquesne University and Holy Apostles College and Seminary. While at Franciscan University, Deacon Dominic also established and developed the Distance Learning Masters in Theology Program. He has nearly 30 years of experience in catechetical and pastoral ministry on both the diocesan and parish levels.
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. Deacon Dominic and his wife Judith have been married for 40 years 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
in 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.”
Sancta Maria, Mater Diaconati, ora pro nobis.
