Deacon Formation Program - Class VII

CONGRATULATIONS to the members of Deacon Formation Class VII, ordained to the Diaconate on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at St. John Vianney Church by Bishop Thomas Zinkula!

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.

The Aspirancy phase of formation for class VII began in August 2012. The first year of Aspirancy focused 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.

2012-2013: Year 1

2013-2014: Year 2

While discernment continues, candidacy focuses on the holistic formation of those in the program for diaconal ministry. The intellectual, spiritual, pastoral and human dimensions of preparation for ministry as a deacon are all attended to over these three years.

2014-2015: Year 1

Click here for the Candidacy I Handbook

2015-2016: Year 2

Click here for the Candidacy II Handbook

2016-2017: Year 3

Click here for the Candidacy III Handbook

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.