The importance of appointing permanent deacons to take care of the Church's work among people in the community was stressed yesterday during Caritas' general assembly.

Addressing the meeting - which probed the work of Diaconia commissions within parishes - sociologist Fr Charles Tabone said these deacons would carry out work that priests were not finding time to do.

The deacons would need to be on the lookout to pinpoint people's needs and then try to help out, Fr Tabone said.

Diaconia commissions are the core of the Church's charitable work within the community, but sometimes parishes lack the necessary human resources to exercise this mission.

"We are not sure that all the needs are being addressed. There may be people in need who have not yet been identified," Fr Tabone said, asking: "Shouldn't we go out in search of them?"

He also highlighted the need for a database to help the commissions identify people who might be in need of help. A study carried out among parishes with a Diaconian commission found that almost half did not keep a database of social problems within the parish.

Godfrey Leone Ganado, the chairman of the Church's peace and justice commission, said parishes need to be aware of the people in need so that they can take action to eradicate the root of social exclusion.

Psychologist Fr John Vella, who is also a member of a Diaconian commission, suggested that an annual seminar should be held to come up with ideas and new working methods for the commission. "Diaconia is more profound than simply giving money," he said.

Speaking at the end of the assembly, Archbishop Paul Cremona said the Church needed to look at its role within the current welfare state and be sensitive not only to material requirements, but also to moral and spiritual needs. He also pointed towards the need for cooperation with the state so that, together, the two could help those in need.