New Friendship - by Edward Buelt (Paperback)

About the Book

What is a deacon? What does a deacon do? Monsignor Edward Buelt answers these questions and covers all the major themes of the diaconate through an engaging conversation with the Scriptures, the eucharistic liturgy, and church teaching on the diaconate. Buelt highlights the meaning of the diaconate through insightful and moving reflections on the Scriptures and proposes practical lessons for a deacons ministry at Mass. A New Friendship speaks to an audience of bishops, priests, deacons, deacons wives, and candidates in formation. Inspiring and enriching, this is must reading for anyone interested in the diaconate and in diaconal ministry.

Book Synopsis

What is a deacon?" "What does a deacon do?" These are two questions pastors, parishioners, and even deacons themselves often ask.

In A New Friendship Monsignor Edward Buelt answers these questions through an engaging conversation with the Scriptures, the eucharistic liturgy, and church teaching on the diaconate. Originally given as a retreat for deacon candidates, A New Friendship is now available to a larger audience of bishops, priests, deacons, deacons' wives, and candidates in formation.

Buelt's treatment of all the major themes of the diaconate? Ministry of word, altar, and charity, as well as communion, sacrifice, service, and suffering? Is inspiring and enriching. He highlights the meaning of the diaconate through insightful and moving reflections on the Scriptures and proposes practical lessons for a deacon's ministry at Mass. Buelt offers sound counsel for the spiritual life of deacons in the voice of an attentive pastor of souls and as one who cares about the diaconate.

A New Friendship is must reading for anyone interested in the diaconate and in diaconal ministry.

Review Quotes

Let us be honest. In many parishes the deaconate has become somewhat 'tired.' Some deacons feel taken for granted, others lack direction and drift, and zeal for ministry fades. Deacons today need a deeper spirituality, their own spirituality. This can be found in the treasury of the church. Drawing on the classical sources, Msgr. Edward Buelt provides a fresh vision of the deacon's ministry in the word, at the altar, and through charity. His book is invaluable for deacons and all who work with them.Bishop Peter J. Elliott
Author of Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite

Monsignor Buelt's reflections help not only deacons, but the whole gathered assembly to more deeply appreciate this ministry of service. At once pastorally practical and spiritually nourishing, this book will help to highlight how the deacon at the liturgy and in parish life can lead us more deeply into the mystery of Christ's love for us.Monsignor James P. Moroney
Saint John's Seminary
Brighton, Massachusetts

Monsignor Buelt draws upon his impressive learning and extensive pastoral and personal experience to guide us in a deep reflection what it means to answer the call to diaconal ministry. His book makes a valuable contribution to the proper understanding of the person and role of the deacon and the unique place this newly revitalized ministry has in the mission of the Church in our time.The Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone
Bishop of the Diocese of Oakland, California

Although [Buelt's] primary audience is deacons and deacon candidates, his insights have value for all ministers and for anyone seeking to better understand 'diaconia, ' the ministry of service. I would recommend this book as part of any diaconal formation or continuing education process. It especially lends itself to a retreat setting or for meditative reflection.Emmanuel

Many will find in Buelt's reflections a 'type of retreat' that will reward and enrich diaconal ministry.Worship