Book Review Servants of All: A History of the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Toronto 1972 - 2007.  Author: Power, Michael (2010). Publisher: Novalis. by Fr. Allan Savage In reviewing this book, I kept before my mind some questions: 1) Will the book engage its intended audience, that is, the clergy and the laity interested in ecclesial history? 2) Is there a spiritual aspect to the presentation to encourage those who might be contemplating the diaconate? 3) Does the insight into the diaconate as an Order of the Universal Church, have "theological merit?" 4) In short, would I buy this book for the Diocesan Library? To begin, the author makes a most helpful distinction immediately before getting into the meat of the matter. There is only one diaconate and even though reference is made to "permanent" and "transitional" diaconate, Power intends "to maintain the Church's understanding of the one Sacrament of Order, bishop, priest and deacon" (17). Chapter One, with the intriguing title, From Dachau to Rome, did engage my attention. It contrasts the various understanding of the diaconate in the mind of some of the Church's more significant theologians in Europe during the era of the Second World War. The influence of Teutonic thinking within Roman Catholic theology leading up to the Second Vatican Council cannot be denied. Chapter Two, discusses the diaconate and the process of reform within the Church. Although intended for a Catholic readership, the approach to the understanding of reform of the diaconate within the Church has ecumenical implications, to my way of thinking. The critical and discerning reader of this portion of ecclesial history will appreciate the fact that, "if there had been no mention of deacons in Scripture, the sacrament of Order would not include the diaconate" (65).  After providing two chapters of introduction, Power localizes the discussion of the diaconate to Canada. Circa 1966, he says, "no one in the Canadian Church, at this particular juncture, had any experience in the selection, education and formation of permanent deacons" (72). But, from subsequent investigations into the education and formation of deacons a Guidance Manual was soon to evolve with an appropriate supportive theology. In Chapter Four, Power particularizes the discussion to the Archdiocese of Toronto. He presents a thorough and detailed evolution of the thinking about the diaconate, as understood at that time, within the Archdiocese. Since Power identifies the individuals involved, this chapter becomes of particular interest to readers who know the personalities engaged in the debate. The outcome of the debate, as far as the Archdiocese is concerned, is presented to the faithful as a "Model of Service," with its proper discernment interviews of the candidate. As discussed in Chapter Five, "the interview identifies talent in applicants and as such predicts, to a certain degree, the success an applicant might have in a particular ministry" (154). Finally, Chapter Six, highlights particular issues concerning the evolution of the diaconate programme in the Archdiocese of Toronto (1985-2007). In their interpretation, these issues are highly nuanced, but the chapter ends on a positive note with a portrait of diaconal ministry in 2008. Thus, in answer to my initial questions, I give an unqualified "yes." The book is available through the library at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1222 Reaume St., Thunder Bay (open weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or through Novalis.