...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.

Program Developments

 

The Institute for Diaconal Studies (IDS) of the Archdiocese of Chicago continually evolves and adapts to contemporary learning models and the needs of the contemporary student (candidate) discerning a vocation and pursuing formation. IDS endeavors to offer challenging and exciting environments for the modern candidate to engage discernment, study, prayer and on-going relationships. This is accomplished in conjunction to applying the norms of the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States (USCCB 2005).

 

Several positive steps have been accomplished to address the contemporary needs of candidates and their wives, ensuring positive personal growth scenarios and challenging ministerial opportunities. IDS believes in enhancing a candidate’s ability to adapt and effectively minister.

 

Here’s a glimpse of some of the exciting recent developments.

 

On July 1, 2010, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced that though the paths and ministry of diaconal and priestly formation are uniquely different and individual and separate processes guide these two diverse tracts, formation sequencing (course and formation calendar placement) that is more similar to the way priests are theologically prepared will now be the norm for Deacon Formation under the auspices of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake. The new format of sequenced courses and formation was initiated by the publication of norms from the Holy See (1998) and the U.S. Bishops in 2005.  IDS of the Archdiocese of Chicago has been gradually transitioning and instituting the mandates of the USCCB since 2006.

 

IDS has created a program specific to the needs of wives who accompany their husbands in the program called Women of Witness that explores the two main goals of wives as articulated by the National Directory – consent to the husband’s journey and understanding of the ministry of deacon and its effects on family, career and relationships. Also, the wives of candidates now have access to an electronic chat-room (via ‘Moodle’) to dialogue and share about pertinent issues of Catholic Christian spirituality and application.

 

The IDS Website went into operation in September 2008 and includes a Five-day On-Line Discernment Retreat.

 

The introduction of an Ambassador/Speakers’ Bureau provides the availability of competent deacons to make presentations and lead discussions at the local parish level about the diaconate and IDS.

 

Our information Sessions are called “Exploring the Permanent Diaconate” and the inquiry process extends throughout the entire year, enabling applicants and pastors to extend discernment (application deadline for a given academic year remains May 1).

 

The use of a “Satellite Site” (DePaul—O’Hare) located in a convenient mid-portion of the archdiocese aids academic and formation development.

 

IDS staff availability to Vicariate, Deanery or cluster gatherings assists recruitment throughout the archdiocese.

 

Emphasis on public speaking and homiletics throughout aspirancy and candidacy promotes the preaching charism of the diaconate: Aspirants receive vocal practicum training (Homiletics I), First-Year Candidates receive Proclamation experience (Homiletics II), Second-Year Candidates have hands-on experience prior to a parish-based internship with Homiletics III, and Third-Year Candidates receive a ten–week Homiletics IV lab course.

 

New Outcomes/Assessments Tools to ensure foundational knowledge in compliance to the prescripts of the National Directory are now in effect.

 

Monthly Theological Reflection Groups with trained mentor couples (ordained deacon and wife) have been restructured to emphasize the art of theological reflection to aspirants, candidates and their wives.

 

Aspirants receive introductory theology courses in Christology, Ecclesiology, Church History, Scripture, Liturgy and Moral Theology as well as significant class work in ecumenism and the Catechism.

 

Aspirants and Candidates conclude each academic year with an Integrating Seminar to update and refresh all aspects of the year just concluded.

 

Year 1 Candidates provide an On-Going Spiritual Autobiography that updates their initial application. With the assistance of the Director of Spiritual Formation, and individual spiritual directors, new annual goals for spiritual development (throughout the years of candidacy) are confidentially developed, engaged and evaluated.

 

Annual Field Education experiences are aligned to specifically address the deacon’s triple service – Word, Liturgy, and Charity and Justice.

 

Annual student Covenant Agreements that cover the four dimensions of formation (Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, Pastoral) as well as personal characteristics and virtues are administered and evaluated each year.

 

Annual peer evaluations and endorsement/feedback forms that identify areas of strengths and areas for growth, as well as readiness for ordination are administered and evaluated each year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archdiocese of Chicago

Permanent

Deacons