How do I know if God is calling me to the diaconate? The gradual discovery of a vocation to the diaconate takes place through ongoing prayer, formation, and discernment. Discernment is the process of discovering God’s will for our lives. It involves a disciplined listening for God in liturgical and private prayer, in conversation with our spouse, family, friends, and spiritual mentors, and in reflection on the movement and direction of our lives.  
 
Discernment to a vocation must also involve the Church.  Ultimately it is the local Church, under the leadership of the Archbishop, which calls forth men to the diaconate. The Church’s discernment begins during the initial inquiry and application stage, but is continually tested and confirmed throughout the formation process, as outlined in the timeline below. 
 
If you are interested in beginning a conversation about discernment to the diaconate, please contact us! 

Inquiry

Today

Reach Out

Contact us to begin an informal conversation about the Permanent Diaconate.

Today

Ongoing

Conversations

Speak to God about the diaconate. Begin discussions with your spouse, pastor, deacons, and a spiritual director.

Recommended Texts:

Ongoing

Fall 2024

Information Night

Attend a local information night to learn more about the formation program, and meet members of the deacon community.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Application

Submit application and participate in an interview process with your spouse.

Spring 2025

Summer 2025

Cohort 6 Forms

Archbishop calls those men he accepts to begin formation as deacon aspirants. 

Summer 2025

ASPIRANCY

Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

Year One

Courses on Spiritual Formation, an Overview of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Theology of the Diaconate. Aspirants will begin shadowing a Deacon mentor.

Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

Fall 2026 - Spring 2027

YEAR TWO

Courses on Spiritual Formation, along with Foundational Courses in Philosophy, Scripture, Theology, and Church History. Aspirants will be given a pastoral assignment at their home parish. 

Fall 2026 - Spring 2027

Summer 2027

Rite of Candidacy

Aspirants may petition for candidacy and, following another series of interviews, the admissions committee will make recommendations to the Archbishop, who will then select those who will be admitted to the next stage of formation.

Summer 2027

CANDIDACY

Fall 2027 - Spring 2028

Year One

Courses on Scripture, Spiritual Theology, Christian Morality, and Theological Anthropology. Candidates will be assigned to Catholic Charities.

Fall 2027 - Spring 2028

Fall 2028 - Spring 2029

Year Two

Courses on Scripture, Christology, Sacraments, and Catholic Social Teaching. Candidates will be assigned to Prison Ministry. 

Fall 2028 - Spring 2029

Summer 2029

Rite of Lector

The Archbishop will call candidates to the ministry of Lector.

Summer 2029

Fall 2029 - Spring 2030

Year Three

Courses on Scripture, Canon Law, Ecclesiology, Mariology, the Theology of Marriage, and Homiletics. Candidates will be assigned to Catholic Community Health. 

Fall 2029 - Spring 2030

Summer 2030

Rite of Acolyte

The Archbishop will call candidates to the ministry of Acolyte.

Summer 2030

Fall 2030 - Spring 2031

Year Four

Courses on Scripture, Bioethics, Pastoral Theology, Homiletics, and various Liturgical Practica. Candidates will be assigned to minister at their home parish. 

Following a series of interviews with the Admissions Committee, final recommendations will be made to the Archbishop, who will call those worthy candidates to Holy Orders. 

Fall 2030 - Spring 2031

ORDINATION

Summer 2031

Mass of Ordination

Candidates called by the Archbishop will be ordained Deacons, and receive their parish and archdiocesan assignments. 

Summer 2031

Ongoing

Continuing Formation

Deacons are required to engage in at least 24 hours of ongoing formation per year, in addition to an annual three-day retreat. 

Ongoing