Deacon Formation Program

 

Archdiocese of Chicago

 

University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary

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

· April 1 — Application deadline

· Mid-March through May — Interviews and Inventories

· May/June —The Staff Interview

· June/July — Notification of Conditional Acceptance                                                                         

 

What former students have to say!

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

St. John Brebeuf Parish, Niles

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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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 click on 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.