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Becoming a Deacon
The call to be a deacon is a unique vocation within the Church. It is one of service to the local
Church through the preaching of the Gospel in word and deed.
The
Diocese has a program for those discerning a call to the diaconate. The
"Aspirant Program" helps a candidate achieve a greater understanding of the nature of this vocation as
well as its particular challenges for married men with
families. Our aspirancy program lasts 16 months, providing men who believe they are called to the diaconate
an
opportunity for discernment, guidance and study.
To enter formation for the diaconate, candidates must be between 30 and 58 years old. For the diaconate,
the Diocese prefers men who have a college education, but it does admit some with only a high school diploma.
Candidates should be active parishioners, interested in social justice, deal well with people, and evidence
both compassion and flexibility.
Candidates must be 35 years of age when ordained.
Married men must have the approval of their
wives. Prior to
ordination, an unmarried candidate makes a public profession of his intention to live a life of
celibacy while
married
candidates must promise to live a celibate life if their wives should die.
Following an application process, an enquirer begins
the Aspirant Formation Program. This program, includes spiritual formation, evaluation, interviews,
and psychological
testing for the aspirant and his wife. If the aspirant completes the program, he may enter the Candidacy
program.
Candidacy lasts 3.5 years. It includes formation at all levels: human, spiritual,
intellectual, and pastoral. Integration of these areas is emphasized, as is the
ability to balance ministry with family commitments. A final discernment is
made for fitness to ordination after a total of five years.
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Vesting at the 1998 Diaconate Ordination
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