...a distinct program that addresses specifically the mission and identity of diaconal ministry while educating men for the three-fold ministry

of service to the Word, Liturgy and Charity.

The journey

 

Prayer, Reflection and Integration are keys throughout the journey of discerning a vocation, as is the support of the sponsoring pastor. Your pastor and the Institute for Diaconal Studies (IDS) will assist you in discerning your vocation and supporting you throughout the formation process. A good relationship with the pastor helps the first step of inquiry and pastor ‘sponsorship’ is required before you can begin the process of application.

 

Those individuals who are experiencing the first signs of a vocation are called ‘inquirers’ and are encouraged to bring into dialogue and prayer their initial feelings and thoughts about the potential of a vocation with family, pastors and spiritual directors.  IDS believes the first steps of inquiry are crucial and that – for some - an extended period of time can be helpful before considering application and the obligations of aspirancy (first year in the program). The program assists all individuals in this inquiry path and supports pastors in their role by offering structured elements of prayer and discernment. The inquiry period is an ideal time to forge a strong relationship with a sponsoring pastor and parish and also participate in various lay ministries to gain valuable pastoral experience.

 

After a period of initial inquiry and the application process the journey continues with participation in an Aspirancy Path which lasts for one year. The word ‘aspirant’ refers to individuals who have an understanding of vocation through the inquiry process and are formally ‘aspiring’ to the next level which is to become a candidate in formation for potential ordination to the permanent diaconate. Aspirancy 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. Small groups that concentrate on vocation discernment and a retreat aid this process. 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, IDS administration and the aspirant and his wife authentically discern a call to the Diaconate, and after successfully completing the application process and the Aspirancy Path with a concluding meeting with the Admission & Scrutinies Board, 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 path 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.

 

You may view the IDS catalog via the Catalog link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archdiocese of Chicago

Permanent

Deacons