Inquiry Sessions for Prospective Applicants and Spouses

Deacon Formation: A process of inquiry, discernment, prayer and study that includes the four dimensions of formation - human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral

A Guide for Discerning a Call to the Diaconate

O Lord, help me to know your will for me. Let your light shine in the depths of my heart that I may know what you want me to do with my life. Help me believe that you have a special plan for me. Lord, I know I pass through this life only once; help me decide how you want me to make a difference. Like our Blessed Mother, give me the wisdom to hear your voice and the courage to answer your call. Above all give me peace of mind and heart. I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Qualities of a Good Deacon

A deacon:

1. Has a sense of being called and a desire for holiness.
2. Is a man of the Word.
3. Is a man of the Church.
4. Is a man of Community.
5. Has a desire to serve Christ in the sick, the poor, and the outcast.
6. Leads a balanced life.

Questions to ponder prayerfully:

1. What attracts you about being a deacon?
2. Who has encouraged you and why?
3. What does your wife and family say at this point? What questions do they have?
4. What gifts, education, and experience would help you to be a good deacon?
5. What is your relationship right now with the Church? With your parish?
6. What ministries do you currently participate in at your parish?
7. How do you feel about doing academic work, writing papers, taking tests again?
8. How do you feel about public speaking? What is your experience?
9. What concerns you most right now about the possibility of being a deacon?

CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION

• A Catholic man in good standing in the Church and fully initiated in the faith.
• Must be between the ages of 31 and 59
• If married, must be in a valid marriage under church law. Spouse must provide support and consent for the husband to enter the formation processes.
• Must have completed the required Mysterium Christi Diocesan Institute: Catholic Basic Seminars or the equivalent education from an accredited Roman Catholic University or College. This is evaluated on an individual case basis. The required classes include: Introduction to Scripture, The Creed, Prayer and Sacraments, Catholic Moral Teachings, and Introduction to Catechetics.
• He will have demonstrated his ability to respond to needs for service and to enable others to do so.
• Must be in dialogue with and have Pastor's endorsement.