Becoming A Deacon
Yearly Formation
Journey to ordination is minimally four years
Aspirancy is one-year of formal vocation discernment prior to acceptance into candidacy (three years). In essence, participants are ‘aspiring’ to become a candidate and the journey to ordination is minimally four years. Though the foundation is formational and not necessarily academic in the first year, there are academic introductions during the Aspirancy Path.
- Introduction to Theological Studies
- Theology study skills—reading and writing application to theology
- Catechism (20-hour academic course with an exam/assessment)
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Ecumenism
- Presiding at Rites & Rituals I (intro to leading public prayer)
- Homiletics I (intro to public speaking/communication)
- Theological Reflection I
- Overview to Christology, Ecclesiology, Liturgy, Scripture, Church History, and Moral Theology
All aspirants and candidates meet regularly in a Theological Reflection Group and attend an annual retreat. At the conclusion of aspirancy, participants meet with the Admission & Scrutinies Board for potential recommendation for entry into candidacy.
Here is a glimpse of some of the required academic and formation activities each year during candidacy. Also, year 1 and 2 candidates and their wives participate in an annual Theology of the Body / Celibacy Retreat.
Candidacy Year 1
Academics
Old Testament
New Testament
Special Moral II
Christology
Sacraments of Initiation
Proclamation Skills and Techniques (Homiletics II)
Diversity Competencies
Formation
Diaconal Ministry in a Multi-Cultural Church
Theological Reflection Groups
Pastoral Issues
Practica
Presiding at Rites and Rituals I
Worship I (Ritual & Music)
Comprehensive
Service to the Word Field Education
Rites
Rite of Candidacy
Institution of Reader
Candidacy Year 2
Academics
Eucharist as Sacrament and Sacrifice
Ecclesiology
Special Moral III
Homiletics III (exegesis)
Canon Law
Formation
Theological Reflection II
Theological Reflection Groups
Pastoral Issues
Practica
Presiding at Rites and Rituals Intensive
Presiding at Baptisms
Witnessing and Blessing Marriages
Assisting at the Funeral Mass
Presiding at Wake Services, Interments
Assisting at Mass (Sunday/weekdays)
Adoration & Benediction
Presiding at Communion Services
Pastoral Care of the Sick
Deacon’s role in the Triduum
Comprehensive
Service to Liturgy Field Internship
Rites
Institution of Acolyte
Candidacy Year 3
Academics
Special Moral IV
Homiletics IV
Integrating Seminar
Church History
Sacraments of Healing and Vocation
Formation
Preparing engaged couples for Marriage
Theological Reflection Groups
Vicar’s Meetings
(Faculties, Rights, Privileges, Duties and Responsibilities of Deacons)
Pastoral Issues
Practica
Presiding at Rites and Rituals III
Presiding at Baptisms
Witnessing and Blessing Marriages
Assisting at the Funeral Mass
Presiding at Wake Services, Interments
Presiding at Benediction/Devotions
Presiding at Liturgy of the Hours
Assisting at Mass (Sunday/weekdays)
Leadership and the Liturgy of the Hours
Worship II (Chants & Responses)
Comprehensive
Comprehensive examination
Admission & Scrutinies Board
Year 3 candidates meet with the Admission & Scrutinies Board at the end of the winter quarter for potential admission to the ‘ordination path’ (final months) leading to a five-day ordination retreat and potential ordination.
Rites
Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate