Catholic diaconate programs

The men are required to begin praying the Liturgy of the Hours as this year begins with the goal of the daily habit of Lauds and Vespers by the end of the year. Wives are strongly encouraged but not required to pray with them. During the second propaedeutic year, Aspirancy, the necessary objective evaluations are completed — psych evaluations both husbands and wives , marriage evaluations, criminal and financial background checks, etc.

Pastors and Deacon Mentors are asked to submit their own evaluations of each man. A face-to-face meeting is held in the Spring between the Pastor, Dcn. Mentor, Associate Director and the Aspirant couple. At the end of Aspirancy the couples are interviewed by a Scrutiny Committee and then some men are submitted to the Bishop for calling to Candidacy.

By the time they are called to Candidacy, the formation team has a good sense of the character, spiritual development, intellectual capabilities, and family relationships of the men called forward.

This general outline continues through the 3 years of Candidacy. Admission as a Candidate means that the Aspirant has been invited by the Bishop to enter a time of formal preparation for ordination that requires 3 years or more. Candidacy is the first official recognition by Holy Mother Church that this man may very well have a vocation to Holy Orders. During this period the Candidate will receive advanced theological education and practical diaconal formation.

After the first year as he progresses in discernment and formation he will be installed into the Ministry of Lector and then approximately a year later to the Ministry of Acolyte.

Each year throughout Candidacy, the Pastor will be asked to evaluate his Candidate s. Mentor, Associate Director and the formation couple. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts.

We partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential. Our safe environment program aims to prevent sexual abuse within our community and to help heal the wounds of past victims.

If you need to report an instance of abuse, please call the Michigan Attorney General's hotline, Do you feel called to the permanent diaconate? To be considered, an applicant must be: A Roman Catholic man, at least 35 years of age and no older than his early 60s. In good health, of sound moral character and mature faith, and a regular participant in the sacramental life of the Church.

If married, he must be in a strong, valid, Catholic marriage for a minimum of five years and have the support of his wife and family. We are seeking men who already have the heart of a deacon including a demonstrated devotion to service, peace and justice. Those admitted to the program should be prepared to commit to the four-year formation process. Applicants will need the written approval of both their pastor and their wife if married , and must meet various admission requirements, including thorough background checks.

Click a heading on the left to reveal related pages. I'm looking for Permanent Deacon Formation. View program details. View our partner dioceses. Fostering the charism of the diaconate. FAQs What makes our program unique? Looking for your permanent deacon transcript?