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Deacon Formation Program
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Archdiocese of Chicago |
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University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary |
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News THIS WEEK
“Exploring the Permanent Diaconate” information sessions
Sometimes the Holy Spirit knocks us over the head and directs us to a new path in our life. Most likely, the Spirit gently nudges us into discernment—possibly, discernment of a vocation.
All men who may feel the gentle nudge to inquire about a vocation to the permanent diaconate are invited to participate in Sunday Eucharist and a dialogue session at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
The sessions will be in the Conference Center Chapel. The campus is located 1/2 mile west of Butterfield Road on Route 176 in Mundelein, Illinois (across the street from Carmel High School). Wives should accompany their husband to the session.
Sunday, September 26, 2010—2:30 P.M. Sunday, November 21, 2010—2:30 P.M. Sunday, February 20, 2011—2:30 P.M.
Please R.S.V.P to Deacon Jim Cozzo, Jr., at jcozzo@usml.edu
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Fifteen newly ordained permanent deacons join the Archdiocese of Chicago
Fifteen men joined the largest U.S. diaconate community when Cardinal George ordained them permanent deacons May 23 at Holy Name Cathedral. The newly ordained deacons completed a four-year program at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary that included classes in theology, pastoral ministry, spiritual formation and communication and collaboration. More than 95 percent of the archdiocese’s deacons are married with families and most are also engaged in outside occupations. They are clergy, along with priests and bishops. The ministries that deacons perform include the teaching mission of the church, caring for the poor, performing baptisms and marriages, conducting funeral liturgies, presiding at wake services and assisting the priest at Mass by proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, leading intercessions, preparing the altar and intoning the dismissal. Please refer to the RECENT PRESS RELEASES side-bar button for a listing of the new permanent deacons.
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Do you believe you hear the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit regarding a vocation? Here’s a glimpse at a typical process of application:
· Complete and submit a Pre-Application Form · Meet with your pastor (Pastor must support a potential applicant) · Attend an “Exploring the Permanent Diaconate” session at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Conference Center Chapel · May 1 — Application deadline · Mid-March through May — Interviews and Inventories · May/June —The Staff Interview · June/July — Notification of Conditional Acceptance
What former candidates have to say! The new changes to the formation program are going to strengthen the formation of the men and their wives. Not only is the program going to be able to offer one, central location for all those in formation, but it is going to allow all the candidates to work together towards their one goal - that of being ordained. By centralizing formation and allowing the USML staff to teach more of the courses, the program is going to grow in leaps and bounds. If I had one regret to my previous formation, it’s that our classes were not together enough - with just those that were moving towards ordination and their supportive wives. That has now been accomplished. This is a great step forward and I look forward to encouraging more people to look into the program.
Deacon Rob Morris Class of 2010
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I entered the Deacon Formation Program in the fall of 2004 with so many mixed feelings for—at the time—I knew not where our Lord and the Holy Spirit was leading me. My wife and I quickly discovered the richness and deep faith others had in common with us. My initial expectations of the formation courses and instructors were far exceeded by the high quality of curriculum and the most talented educators. Looking back at these past four years, I am so grateful that my formation preparation and experience has provided me with confidence, knowledge and the skills to be effective in ministry. It has truly been a blessing and privilege to be able to serve the people of God in our Archdiocese as an ordained deacon.
Deacon Andrew Beierwaltes Class of 2008
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After four years of formation and discernment in the Deacon Formation Program, I learned what it truly means to be a deacon. Through not only the academic studies, but also the hands on training that we received, I felt called by the Holy Spirit to be of service to all people, not just those within my parish. I learned what service is—being present to serve and help all people - to not only preach the Gospel but act on the Gospel’s teachings.
A special thank you goes out to all the staff and instructors involved with the Deacon Formation Program. They truly are a blessing from God. The time we spent in formation prepared me, and my wife (Anita), not only academically but also spiritually to hear the calling of the Holy Spirit. My personal prayer life, as well as public, has grown and been strengthened though the training we received.
I am involved in many ministries within my parish but I am also involved in two very special ministries outside of my parish community. Along with a fellow deacon from my parish I am involved with the Port Ministries Bread Truck. We deliver bag lunches to needy children in the city of Chicago. Also, my wife and I are a mentor couple for those going through the Aspirancy Year of the Deacon Formation Program.
Thanks to being involved in the Deacon Formation Program, I have met many people who I am proud to call family. I thank God everyday for calling me, and, in the words of Jesus, “I come not to be served but to be of service to you”.
Deacon Kevin S. O’Donnell Class of 2006
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There had been for quite some time a voice in the back of my head saying, “I’m calling you, will you please listen.” I felt God couldn’t be calling me, so for years I found reasons not to follow. Too much to do at work, kids needed to get older, had to cut the grass. Then one day I realized that all the excuses in the world would not change the fact that maybe I had something to offer to our church. With the blessing of my Pastor, over four years ago I began my journey to the permanent diaconate. This journey has been one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences that I have ever taken. Accompanied by my wife of 40 years, we came to experience the joy of being Catholics in the true sense of the word. Our marriage grew and became much stronger by experiencing the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Our prayer lives expanded and we met the finest, most loving and dedicated people imaginable, who were part of our ordination class and the Deacon Formation Program. Yes, it was hard work. Much time was dedicated in discernment and formation, but when the Bishop ordained me it was the greatest blessing that God has bestowed upon me in my entire life. My life has been transformed by that “voice” that I had for so many years put out of my mind. I look forward to serving God’s people and hopefully being able to assist in the development of the Kingdom of God.
Deacon Gary Kupsak Class of 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I invite you to search your heart and begin to ask yourself the question—Do I have a vocation to serve in God’s Church?
I also invite you to go to our On-Line Discernment Retreat and pray over this important decision in your life.
Contact me anytime with questions or concerns.
Reverend Dennis J. Stafford Director of Spiritual Formation dstafford@usml.edu 847-837-4562
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. |
