Malaysia is set to have its first permanent deacon in 30 years when Sherman Kuek, a married man, is ordained on June 16.

Kuek, from Johor state, was baptized into the Presbyterian Church. He has a management degree from the United Kingdom and a master’s degree in divinity and a doctoral degree in theology, both from Singapore.

He taught at a Protestant seminary in Seremban, capital of Negeri Sembilan state, before deciding to become a Catholic.

In 2009, he returned to his hometown of Johor Bahru as director of the Diocesan Pastoral Institute of Melaka-Johor Catholic diocese.

Kuek will be Malaysia’s third permanent deacon. The first was ordained in 1974 and is still living, while the second, ordained in 1980, has died.

He spoke with ucanews.com on his journey to the permanent diaconate and its significance in the Church.

Q: What is a permanent deacon?

A: A permanent deacon is a man who receives Holy Orders, who shares in the ministry of his bishop but not to the extent to which priests do. He will be a deacon for life, never a priest. He does not celebrate Mass, give absolution or anoint the sick.

Beyond that, he is able to do everything else, particularly in relation to the ministries of the altar, Word and charity.

Q: Why does the Church need permanent deacons?

A: With the presence of permanent deacons, the fullness of the bishop’s ministry becomes more visible. It is a theological reason, not a pragmatic reason. The priests are the bishop’s co-workers and the deacons are the bishop’s assistants.

Q: What challenges have you faced in preparing for your ordination?

A: For many years, even as a Protestant, I had a strong sense of vocation. When I became a Catholic, I had to resign to the reality that this marked the "end" of my vocation discernment.

It was only later on that I found out that Bishop Paul Tan [of Melaka-Johor] was restoring the permanent diaconate in his diocese. In August 2009, I returned to Johor Bahru from Seremban to serve as director of the Melaka-Johor Diocesan Pastoral Institute and also as a candidate for diaconate ordination.

I am very relieved that after years of searching, I have now found my exact place in the Church. The Church is so open to accept people from all walks of life and backgrounds into various forms of vocational expressions.

I will be ordained on June 16, my 34th birthday. Canonically, I am allowed to be ordained as a married man only at the age of 35. However, the bishop has the authority of dispensation.

I am delighted but very deeply humbled to be one of the few Catholics privileged to receive all seven Sacraments of the Church.

Q: How do you plan to serve?

A: As a deacon, I will exercise my ministry in respect and obedience to the bishop.

I have no ministry of my own apart from the bishop’s.

At the moment, as director of the Diocesan Pastoral Institute, I assist the bishop in overseeing 19 ministries, apostolates and commissions, ensuring that they function in accordance with the general directions of the diocese.

I also travel around to teach courses and provide formation for laypeople. I also do quite a lot of writing.

Q: How will you juggle family and ministry?

A: My family is the greatest source of support in my vocation and ministry. My wife,  my parents and I, as well as our two dogs, live together in the same home.

The Church reminds all married permanent deacons that their own marriage and family life take priority over their other diaconal duties. Being a permanent deacon is not a vocation apart from being a husband and a father.

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Permanent diaconate moves from uncertainty toward bright future

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