Members of Class VII

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.

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

Interviews with the Admissions and Scrutinies Committee will be on Sunday, June 23, at St. Mary in Riverside.

The Day of Reflection (Retreat) will be on Saturday, June 29. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. with the day beginning at 8:15 a.m. The day concludes at 5:30 p.m.

Psychological testing and interviews for those admitted to the second year of Aspirancy will take place on July 26-28.

Click here for class resources:

Pastoral Resources (including Liturgy of the Hours)

Academic Resources (including links to information on proper citation of sources)

Click here for the Aspirancy I Handbook and related resources:

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.