About Us
The Deacon is a bimonthly magazine that serves permanent deacons and deacon candidates as they serve the Church by helping them foster intimate communion with Christ the Servant.
Through a cultivation of the interior life, which leads to effective ministry, The Deacon contributes to the mission of the Church by making present the totus Christus (the “whole Christ”) to the world. The Deacon seeks to build a community of men on fire for the diaconate through quality content that forms, informs and inspires.
Radiating joy, The Deacon is a trustworthy resource that accompanies deacons, deacon candidates and deacon directors as they live out, learn about and support diaconal ministry.
Meet the Editor
Deacon Dominic Cerrato is Director of Diaconal Ministries and Editor of The Deacon magazine. 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.
About The National Association of Diaconate Directors
The National Association of Diaconate Directors (NADD) promotes communication and the exchange of information and resources among deacon directors, vicars for deacons, and others responsible for the formation of candidates and the ongoing development of deacons in the United States. It seeks to develop professional expertise among members though research, dialogue, formation and self-evaluation procedures. NADD proposes ways and means for effective implementation of solutions of national and regional issues relating to the diaconate. The Board of Directors is a voluntary board made up of Deacon Directors from across the United States and Canada and continues to serve Diaconate Directors of Formation and Ministry and Life.
The Deacon Team:
Publisher: jsGrafx Creative Services
Managing Editor: Jeff Signorini
Editor: Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Ph.D.
Editoral Board: Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Deacon Mark Erste, Deacon Scott France, Deacon Jim Grevenites, Deacon Ron Simons, Deacon Dan Brahier
Multimedia Strategist: Alyssa Shimko
Design: Jeff Signorini & Alyssa Shimko
Circulation Consultants, TwoTen Associates: Laura White & Lisa Weigand
Advertising Manager: Shanley & Associates
Owner: National Association of Diaconate Directors (NADD)
NADD Chairman: Deacon Jim Grevenites
