The Society of the Desert Rose

The Office of Deaconess within the UAC

Introduction

The Society of the Desert Rose offers formation and continuity to the office of Deaconess within the United Anglican Church. It is meant to establish a foundation for women to fully engage in ministry within the Church outside of Holy Orders. It is a lifestyle to which women, called of God, are tested, approved, and appointed by the Bishop and may selflessly serve God's people in His one Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Premise

In Ephesians 4:1-16 Paul shares on unity within the church, the use of heavenly gifts, and the ensuing growth promised to us as we follow this divine blueprint. Most notably, as it pertains to his premise, we are told, “..He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers..” (v :11). We see, within the offices of Bishop, Priest, and Deacon, the exercise of these ministries in their various forms. But to what end are they given? The answer lies in verse 12; “..for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

It appears that on the obverse of the five-fold ministerial coin, we are promised growth and even protection from being “..tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive” (v :14). The question surrounding the saint’s “work of ministry”, we believe, is a question of proper submission to Godly authority, proper training, and proper licensing of said ministries within the church.

In the canons, there is provision for Lay Readers to exercise their ministerial gifts and callings under the direction and license of the Bishop; most notably, in the context of the liturgy and offices. These individuals may also be given charge over other, smaller groups within the congregation in a pastoral capacity as outlined in Canon 17.03(3).

As a congregation grows in scale, it may also license Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, prayer team members and leaders, intercessory group members and leaders, and various other ministerial positions as the needs of the parish require. All of these may be implemented without a view to broader leadership within the congregation or to Holy Orders.

The office of Deaconess should be viewed as the female counterpart to the Lay Reader, exercising no authority over the parish church and without any view to Holy Orders. The Deaconess is uniquely equipped to minister to women, children, the elderly, and shut-ins, having submitted herself to the authority of the church, tested, approved and licensed as such by the Bishop.

The Office of Deaconess

The ministry of the office of the Deaconess is prescribed largely by the clergy and the needs of the parish she serves. These duties can and do include everything from doing the work of the Altar Guild to the religious studies of women and children. In short a Deaconess should be involved in every aspect of ministry to the exclusion of serving at the altar or exercising any perceived authority over the congregation at large. The ministry of the Deaconess can and should include ministry in her community served by the parish church.

The attitude of a Deaconess should be one that reflects the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is her duty to exude the virtues of Christ as well as the fruits of the Spirit. She may be part of the welcoming committee to parish newcomers. She may be the first Christian a non-believer will become involved with outside the community as she visits various institutions in outreach. In many events, and in many circumstances, she presents the soft, loving, caring, and nurturing side of mother church as did our Mother Mary.

The attire of the Deaconess will be as follows: a full length apron of navy blue to express her servant’s heart embroidered or patched with the symbol of the office, a Celtic cross with a rose superimposed at the base, centered beneath the neckline of the apron. On her head will be a white lace, shoulder length headpiece. This is to let the congregation know that she is available to help in any capacity necessary. Garments underneath the apron must be appropriate to the office but may include skirts, dresses, pants, or Capri style trousers of any color. The top must be white, made of heavy enough material as to be completely opaque, short or long sleeved, blouse or turtleneck depending on the location and climate of the parish. Comfortable shoes are recommended allowing the Deaconess to minister from a standing position for long periods of time.

The Deaconess is required to receive spiritual direction from the Mother General to ensure she receives the proper encouragement for her life and ministry and for the continued success of the program. Regular meetings with the Bishop and local clergy will also be required to maintain spiritual growth and accountability for the local ministry within the parish church. The Deaconess should never forget that she is a contributing member of her parish and therefore directly accountable to her Bishop and/or Priest.

The Characteristics of Deaconess

A Deaconess should be a woman of Godly character. She should be a loving wife and mother. If she is unmarried or widowed, she must have and hold a good reputation in her community. She must not be given to much drink or have other such addictions as would disparage the office.

In Summation

In Christ, we are ALL called to be ministers of the Gospel. We are ALL called to declare to one another the promises which become ours the moment we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior. In doing so, we build each other up in the Faith. Likewise, we are ALL called to speak the truth of God’s Kingdom in love so that there may be no divisions or quarrels in the Body of Christ.

We are ALL expected to rise to our positions as adopted heirs, sons and daughters, of the Most High God. This gives each and every one of us the responsibility to love our brothers and sisters the way Christ has loved us.  We are ALL to lay down our lives (our selfish wants, desires and agendas) for each other and for the good of the Church the way Christ selflessly laid down His life for our good. This is our life ordained by the will of God.

So then what does it mean to be a Deaconess? A Deaconess is a woman who truly wants to follow after the very heart of God. She seeks only to minister according to her Father’s will. She does this while constantly pointing the way to the cross. A Deaconess goes where she is needed in the body having been sent by her Bishop or Priest whose heart it is to watch over and care for those given him in Christ. She must be willing to be a servant at all times, fulfilling a variety of positions from janitor to minister.

How do we, as the ecclesia, get there? The office of Deaconess is not a position of greatness but humility. We are called to come into an intimate spiritual place with our loving Father. We must listen to His voice as He teaches us to be handmaids. Listening and watching for Him to beckon us to action. As we learn to be attentive to His will, we will cast off the worldliness of selfish desires focusing on the heavenly treasures gained by pouring ourselves out as an offering.

It is our duty to model, for our sisters, children, and others, a life well lived in service to Christ. We are to live and teach the Word of God in every ministry opportunity and with our very lives so others might find the love of God in Christ Jesus. We are to be healing arms of love to those in our midst that are in sickness or poverty of mind, body, or spirit. We are to facilitate, in any way possible, wholeness in the body of Christ.  It is also our duty to pray for the clergy, girding them up on a daily basis for their ministrations within the body of Christ. It is important that we pray according to the will of the Father for He is the one who has ordered them for His great purpose.

 To be a Deaconess is to be called to service following after Christ. It is not a place of leadership by which you command those around you, gaining results though others. But rather, it is a deeply personal journey which denies the self, dies to sin, seeks no recognition, and, ultimately becomes “less and less that He may become greater and greater” in His one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. 

Caritas Christi Urgetnos, 

Sr. Nancy
Sr. Nancy Anne Rocha
Mother General

together with,
Fr. Jim+
Very Reverend James B. Rocha
Rector, St. Brendan’s UAC
Canon Missioner, Diocese of the West