Diaconal Silence: A Guide for Making a Retreat
by Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.
In Diaconal Silence, Deacon James Keating offers a profound, practical guide for deacons seeking authentic spiritual renewal through silent-directed retreat. Rooted in Scripture and the Church’s tradition, this handbook teaches how silence deepens intimacy with the Trinity, strengthens interior prayer, and fuels diaconal ministry. With clear instruction on lectio divina, Eucharistic adoration, and spiritual direction, Keating invites deacons to encounter God’s love, mature in affective communion, and allow ministry to flow from contemplative union.
Paperback: $12.95 | Audible: $12.95 | Kindle: $9.99
TESTIMONIALS
“Silent retreats like the ones described by Deacon James Keating in this book have changed my life, and I can’t imagine not doing an eight-day retreat every year. Deacons are required to take an annual retreat. In this short book, Deacons will find great help in entering into a silent retreat, which can at first seem daunting. What one always finds though is a deep encounter with the love of God. If silence is the language of God, then the human words in this small book will assist the heart hearing God speak. I commend the Institute for Diaconate Renewal for pro-viding the diaconate with this invaluable resource for the renewal of the diaconate.” — The Most Rev. Andrew H. Cozzens, Bishop of Crookston, MN
“There are all sorts of reasons that people lapse into silence, but the theological reason for silence is ‘affective maturity in the form of joy.’ Silence results after contemplation meets truth, beauty, and goodness face-to-face. Keating masterfully explains first why we do silence, and second how to do silence. A superb and invaluable guide for the deacon.” — Dr. David Fagerberg, Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame
“In this short text, Deacon James Keating offers advice for entering into a retreat that is both substantial and practical. Whether a man is in formation, is newly ordained, or has been ordained for years, Deacon Keating’s recommendations are sure to deepen the fruitfulness of a man’s experience on retreat. Highly recommended.” — Chris Burgwald, STD, Chancellor for the Diocese of Sioux Falls
“I find this book to be both a practical and spiritual guide to a ‘true’ retreat. As one who prefers to ‘do,’ my first encounter with this format was personally challenging (to say it lightly), but the end results have strengthened my desire to diaconal ministry, and I now look forward to these times of contemplation. As usual, Deacon Keating has touched on the heart of the deacon and gives us practical application and reflection. My hope is that as Directors, we can ensure that all of the deacons under our care find a way to experience this Diaconal Retreat.” — Deacon Jim Grevenites, Director of Deacon Personnel, Diocese of St. Petersburg, Chairman of the National Association of Diaconate Directors (NADD)
“Deacon Keating leads the soul into that sacred quiet where God reshapes the heart for service. This guidebook is a luminous companion, drawing deacons into deeper communion so their ministry radiates Christ’s transforming love in the world.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, Lay Dominican of the Province of St. Albert the Great and author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy: A Hundred-Day Guided Journal
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Dcn. James Keating, PhD is Professor of Spiritual Theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St Louis, MO. He was formerly Director of Deacon Formation for the Archdiocese of Omaha.
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