...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.

Yearly FOrmation

 

Aspirancy is one-year of formal vocation discernment prior to acceptance into candidacy.  In essence, participants are ‘aspiring’ to become a candidate. Though the foundation is formational, there are academic introductions during the Aspirancy Path. (Check this link to view the current year aspirancy calendar.)

 

· Introduction to Theological Studies

· Theology study skills—reading and writing application to theology

· Catechism (20-hour academic course with an exam/assessment)

· Catholic Social Teaching

· Ecumenism

· Presiding at Rites & Rituals I (intro to leading public prayer)

· Homiletics I (intro to public speaking/communication)

· Theological Reflection I

· Overview to Christology, Ecclesiology, Liturgy, Scripture, Church History, and Moral Theology

 

All aspirants and candidates meet regularly in a Theological Reflection Group and attend an annual retreat.  At the conclusion of aspirancy, participants meet with the Admission & Scrutinies Board for potential recommendation for entry into candidacy.

 

Here is a glimpse of some of the required academic and formation activities each year during candidacy.  Also, year 1 and 2 candidates and their wives participate in an annual Theology of the Body / Celibacy Retreat.

 

Candidacy Year 1

Academics 

 

Old Testament

New Testament

Special Moral II

Christology

Sacraments of Initiation

Proclamation Skills and Techniques (Homiletics II)

Diversity Competencies

 

Formation

 

Diaconal Ministry in a Multi-Cultural Church

Theological Reflection Groups

Pastoral Issues

 

Practica

 

Presiding at Rites and Rituals I

Worship I (Ritual & Music)

 

Comprehensive

 

Integrating Seminar

Service to the Word Field Education

 

Rites

 

Rite of Candidacy

Institution of Reader

 

 

Candidacy Year 2

Academics

 

Eucharist as Sacrament and Sacrifice

Ecclesiology

Special Moral III

Homiletics III (exegesis)

Canon Law

 

Formation

 

Theological Reflection II

Theological Reflection Groups

Pastoral Issues

 

Practica

 

Presiding at Rites and Rituals Intensive

             Presiding at Baptisms

             Witnessing and Blessing Marriages

             Assisting at the Funeral Mass

             Presiding at Wake Services, Interments

             Assisting at Mass (Sunday/weekdays)

             Adoration & Benediction

             Presiding at Communion Services

             Pastoral Care of the Sick

             Deacon’s role in the Triduum

 

Comprehensive

 

Integrating Seminar

Service to Liturgy Field Internship

 

Rites

 

Institution of Acolyte

 

Candidacy Year 3

Academics

 

Special Moral IV

Homiletics IV

Integrating Seminar

Church History

Sacraments of Healing and Vocation

 

Formation

Preparing engaged couples for Marriage

Theological Reflection Groups

Vicar’s Meetings

       (Faculties, Rights, Privileges, Duties and Responsibilities of Deacons)

Pastoral Issues

 

Practica

 

Presiding at Rites and Rituals III

             Presiding at Baptisms

             Witnessing and Blessing Marriages

             Assisting at the Funeral Mass

             Presiding at Wake Services, Interments

             Presiding at Benediction/Devotions

             Presiding at Liturgy of the Hours

             Assisting at Mass (Sunday/weekdays)

             Leadership and the Liturgy of the Hours

Worship II (Chants & Responses)

 

 

Comprehensive

 

Comprehensive examination

 

Admission & Scrutinies Board

 

Year 3 candidates meet with the Admission & Scrutinies Board at the end of the winter quarter for potential admission to the ‘ordination path’ (final months) leading to a five-day ordination retreat and potential ordination.

 

 

Rites

 

Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate

 

 

Archdiocese of Chicago