Deacon Formation Program

 

Archdiocese of Chicago

 

University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary

Program Developments

 

The Deacon Formation Program (DFP) of the Archdiocese of Chicago continually evolves and adapts to contemporary learning models and the needs of the contemporary student discerning a vocation and pursuing formation. The DFP endeavors to offer challenging and exciting environments for the modern student to engage discernment, study, prayer and on-going relationships.

 

Since 2007, several positive steps have been accomplished to address the needs of candidates and their wives, ensuring positive personal growth scenarios and challenging ministerial opportunities. The Archdiocese of Chicago believes in enhancing a potential candidate’s ability to adapt and effectively minister.

 

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

 

As a result of several years of dialogue and collaboration with the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, Lay Ministry Formation Program, Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral, and in dialogue with the Ongoing Formation Program and the Office of Catechesis (and with the approval of USML/Mundelein Seminary) the DFP has developed a program (Wives Certificate Path) for wives of candidates to receive formation and training in lay ministry by enrolling in the Called & Gifted program while concurrently attending Key Events as their husbands journey through the DFP. These certificates award up to 32 hours of undergraduate credit and/or 15 hours of graduate credit.

 

The DFP is creating for 2009-2010—and beyond—a program specific to the needs of wives who accompany their husbands in the program called Women of Witness that will explore 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.

 

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

 

The introduction of an Ambassador/Speakers’ Bureau in 2009 will provide the availability of competent deacons to make presentations and lead discussions at the local parish level about the diaconate and the DFP.

 

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

 

The development of a “Satellite Site” located in a convenient mid-portion of the archdiocese to meet and greet potential applicants and pastors, have formational events/prayer services and also counsel candidates, is scheduled to go into operation in 2009.

 

DFP staff availability to Vicariate, Deanery or cluster gatherings is now in effect.

 

Greater emphasis on public speaking and homiletics went into effect in 2008 (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 fourteen–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 proclamation to aspirants and the art of theological reflection to candidates and their wives.

 

Starting in 2008-09, Aspirants receive introductory theology courses in Christology, Ecclesiology, Church History, Scripture, Liturgy and Moral Theology.

 

Aspirancy and each of the Candidacy years will conclude each academic year with an Integrating Seminar to update and refresh all aspects of the year just concluded.

 

Annual Field Education experiences have been aligned to specifically address the deacon’s triple munera of service – Word, Liturgy, and Charity and Justice effective beginning in the 2009-2010 formation year.

 

New annual student Covenant Agreements that cover the four dimensions of formation (Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, Pastoral) as well as personal characteristics and virtues were instituted in 2007-2008.

 

Annual peer evaluations and endorsement/feedback forms that identify areas of strengths and areas for growth, as well as readiness for ordination also went into effect in 2007-2008.

 

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If you would like to take the first step of inquiry—please 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.