...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.

News THIS WEEK

 

Attention Inquirers—Exploring the Permanent Diaconate

 

For all men beginning to hear the Holy Spirit inviting them to investigate the potential of a vocation—please refer to the ‘Links’ page (accessible from the buttons at left) and click on ‘Exploring the Permanent Diaconate.’ Our next gathering is Sunday, February 19, 2012 at the Cardinal Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein, Illinois (USML campus) - 12:00 Noon Mass/Dialogue.

 

Year 1 Candidates to update Spiritual Autobiography

During the first year of candidacy participants provide an “Ongoing” spiritual autobiography that supplements a spiritual autobiography completed at application. The Director of Spiritual Formation provides affirmations and suggestions for spiritual growth as candidacy continues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you believe you hear the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit regarding a vocation? Here’s a glimpse at a typical process of inquiry and application:

 

· Read and understand About Inquiry and Pre-Application

· Meet with your pastor (Pastor must support a potential applicant)

· Attend an  “Exploring the Permanent Diaconate” session at the Cardinal Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein, Illinois (USML campus)

· May 1 — Application deadline (requested and submitted by pastor)

· Mid-March through May — Interviews and Inventories

· May/June —Administration Interview

· June/July — Notification of Conditional Acceptance                                                                         

 

 

 

 

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 —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 calling and decision in your life.

 

Contact me anytime with questions or concerns.

 

 

 

                                                    Deacon Bob Puhala

                                                    Director of Formation

                                                    bpuhala@usml.edu

                                                    847-837-4564

 

 

You may view the IDS catalog via the Catalog link.

You may also view the National Directory (USCCB) via the National Directory link.

 

...so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the holy spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch… They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them.

 

Acts 6: 5-6

 

 

Archdiocese of Chicago

Didimus, the deacon candidate, perused—Do you know what mountains talk about? A range of topics! rim shot)!

 

2011 DJStafford

 

Didimus

...and his sidekick Grace!

 

But seriously folks—pray over this thought...

Rabbi Mendel taught—”There is a very high rung, which only one man in a whole generation can reach: that of having learned all secret wisdom and then praying like a little child.”

Formation in this modern world provides essential knowledge which leads to applicable wisdom I pastoral ministry. We candidates are proud to be on the cutting edge of learning. Knowledge, wisdom and humble prayer go hand-in-hand.