Deacon Formation Program

 

Archdiocese of Chicago

 

University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary

The Journey to become a Permanent Deacon

Prayer and reflection are keys, as is the support of the sponsoring pastor. Your pastor will assist you in discerning your vocation and supporting you throughout the formation program. His sponsorship is required before you can begin the first step of the journey.

The journey begins with participation in an Aspirancy Path which lasts for one year. It is a time to discern readiness for nomination to the bishop and acceptance as a candidate for deacon formation. During this period, the aspirant is introduced to a deeper knowledge of the spirituality and ministry of the deacon and to a more attentive discernment of his call. The family is also assisted in their support and accompaniment of the aspirant in his formation journey. The wives of aspirants are invited to participate in the entirety of the Aspirancy Path since they will be required to make an informed decision about their husband's continuing in formation if he is designated for Candidacy.

Once the pastor, DFP Staff and the aspirant and his wife authentically discern a call to the Diaconate, and after successfully completing the application process and the Aspirancy Path, the aspirant is presented to the bishop for acceptance as a candidate. The three-year Candidacy Path is the next step in the formation journey. 

The three-year candidacy program consists of human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral development. 

Courses include but are not limited to: 

Scripture          Ecumenism      Pastoral Theology        Canon Law

Christology      Homiletics        Communications         Church History

Liturgy             Sacraments       Evangelization             Ecclesiology

Social Justice    Cultural Diversity        Mariology        Racism

 

There are also field education experiences during the Spring and Summer months in Charity and Justice Ministry and Service to the Word, as well as a Service to the Liturgy internship in the candidate’s sponsoring parish prior to entering the ordination path (final six months of candidacy).

During candidacy, Theological Reflection Groups (three to four couples/singles) meet with a mentor couple (deacon and wife) on a regular basis (monthly during academic calendar) throughout the year.

Both Aspirants and Candidates attend an annual retreat and are required to have a spiritual director throughout the duration of formation—meeting on a regular monthly schedule (12 months a year). Candidates and their wives are also given opportunities to support each other through an annual Couples Retreat.

 

Family in formation

Harmony between the wife of a married aspirant and the stability of their marriage and family is of the utmost importance when considering the husband/father’s diaconal vocation and eventual ministry. Family life before, during, and after ordination remains an important priority. The formation and academic sessions require that the applicant and wife commit considerable time away from the normal family routine. After ordination, the deacon’s wife and family continue to share in his ministry, primarily through their love and support.

The sharing and presence of both the aspirant/candidate and his wife in the program is essential. Wives are encouraged to fully participate in general formation and in retreats. Wives also attend key sessions and activities to facilitate the husband’s/couple’s discernment. This is so vitally important that a man will not be accepted into the program without the participation of his wife in key sessions and activities and formal, written consent.

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If you would like to take the first step of inquiry—please follow this link and fill out the Pre-Application Form and email your completed form to Administrative Assistant Deacon Jim Cozzo. Jr., at jcozzo@usml.edu. The Director of Formation will contact you directly.