DEACON FORMATION: A PROCESS OF INQUIRY, DISCERNMENT AND PRAYER AND OF STUDY THAT INCLUDES THE FOUR DIMENSIONS OF FORMATION: HUMAN, SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND PASTORAL

Inquiry Sessions
For Perspective Applicants and Spouses

“I think I have a call to be a Deacon.”
These first stirrings of a vocation to the diaconate emerge as a person reflects on his relationship with God and the nature of God calling him to a more profound bond and service. “The history . . . of every Christian vocation, is the history of an inexpressible dialogue between God and human beings, between the love of God who calls and the freedom of individuals who respond lovingly to him.” (National Directory #165) This is a journey that is personal and individual but it also involves the church community with special attention to the wife (if married) and family. Parish communities, staffs, and pastors are important resources. Pastors are of a particular resource because they are the ones who initially present an individual for consideration for formation as a candidate for Holy Orders as a deacon.

The Inquiry sessions are designed to provide further insight into the vocation of diaconate and are key in helping perspective applicants and their spouses (if married) discern how this will affect their lives .

Perspective applicants will receive an application only after attending and fulfilling requirements of the Inquiry Sessions.

• A Catholic man in good standing in the Church and fully initiated in the faith.
• Must be between the ages of 31and 59
• If married, must be in a stable marriage relationship. Spouse must provide support and consent for the husband to enter the formation processes.
• Must have completed the required  Mysterium Christi Diocesan Institute: Catholic Basic Seminars or the equivalent education from an accredited Roman Catholic University or College. This is evaluated on an individual case basis. The required classes include:
  • Introduction to Scripture and Gospel
  • The Creed
  • Liturgy and Sacraments
  • Catholic Moral Teachings
  • Prayer and the Spiritual Life
  • Basic Catechetics

• He will have demonstrated his ability to respond to needs for service and to enable others to do so
• Must be in dialogue with and  have pastor endorsement.