“I find in Discerning Deacons a genuine understanding of and commitment to the process of discernment. The Second Vatican Council is just one modern example of what happens when the Church, as the whole people of God, comes together to discern the movement of the Spirit among us. The result is what Pope Francis terms ‘overflow.’ When we approach important and sometimes difficult questions in this spirit, it sheds light on the entire mystery of the Church and opens to us unexpected pathways. I would encourage all who love the Church to engage in this process.”

P. Joe Doran is the pastor of St. Pius V Catholic Community in Pasadena, Texas.