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:
- Has a sense of being called and a desire for holiness.
- Is a man of the Word.
- Is a man of the Church.
- Is a man of Community.
- Has a desire to serve Christ in the sick, the poor, and the outcast.
- Leads a balanced life.
Questions to ponder prayerfully:
- What attracts you about being a deacon?
- Who has encouraged you and why?
- What does your wife and family say at this point? What questions do they have?
- What gifts, education, and experience would help you to be a good deacon?
- What is your relationship right now with the Church? With your parish?
- What ministries do you currently participate in at your parish?
- How do you feel about doing academic work, writing papers, taking tests again?
- How do you feel about public speaking? What is your experience?
- 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.