Announcements

Do you think you might be called to the Diaconate?

The purpose of the Deacon Formation Program is to help men discern if they are called to the diaconate, and to help prepare them for that ministry. For questions concerning deacon formation please contact Deacon Frank Agnoli at 563-888-4257.

Because Year 1 in the diocese's Ministry Formation Program is a prerequisite for deacon formation, those men who are questioning the possibility that God might be calling them to diaconal ministry in the Church should enroll in the Ministry Formation Program. For questions concerning the Ministry Formation Program, please contact IlaMae Hanisch at 563-888-4243.

Click here for information concerning the Ministry Formation and Deacon Formation programs.

Video From the Archdiocese of Toronto

The Archdiocese of Toronto, Canada, has produced an excellent video explaining the Diaconate and diaconal ministry. While some of the information is particular to that archdiocese, the video does provide a great overview of what it means to be a deacon.

2011-2012: Inquiry

Formation for the diaconate is divided into three phases: inquiry, aspirancy, and candidacy.

During the inquiry phase, those discerning a possible call to the diaconate begin a period of purposeful exploration. To help them in this process, we hosted "information days" in each of the six deaneries. The purpose of these inquiry sessions was to introduce men to the diaconate, explain our formation program, and answer any questions that they or their wives might have.

Applications for Class VII in the Deacon Formation Program are now closed.

Steps in the Application Process

1. Complete written Application, including required documentation.

2. Interview with Director of Deacon Formation. Steps 1 and 2 need to be completed before May.

3. Interview with Admissions and Scrutinies Committee (4/22; 5/6; 5/13 or 5/27)

4. Decision by Bishop Amos

5. If not already done, complete VIRTUS training and Year 1 in Ministry Formation Program.

2012-2014: Aspirancy

The Aspirancy phase of formation for class VII is set to begin in August 2012. The first year of Aspirancy will focus on prayer and discernment; the second year on beginning academic studies. The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is scheduled to be celebrated at the end of the second year.

2012-13: Year 1

2013-14: Year 2

2014-2017: Candidacy

2014-15: Year 1

2015-16: Year 2

2016-17: Year 3

2017-20: Post-Ordination Formation

According to the Directory, "[t]he goal for this path in formation is to responsibly address the various aspects of a deacon's ministry, the development of his personality and, above all, his commitment to spiritual growth"(#239). This phase of formation is divided into two parts: the initial three years after ordination and life-long formation.

During the first three years after ordination, those newly-ordained (and their wives) continue to take part in regular gatherings for formation as a community. In addition, those newly ordained begin to develop a specific formation plan that addresses their specific needs. Such additional formation could include an in-depth study of another language needed to care for a particular community, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), or any other type of preparation for a particular or specialized ministry.

Beyond the initial three years after ordination, deacons (and their wives) continue to take part in formation events and retreats for the entire diaconal community - as well as continue to take responsibility for their continued ministerial formation through reading, course-work, theological reflection groups, and the like.

Post-Ordination Formation is the responsibility of the Deacon Personnel Director.