Announcements

Are You Being Called to the Diaconate?

We are hoping to begin the application process for the next class in our Deacon Formation Program in July of 2011. Because Year 1 in the diocese's Ministry Formation Program is a prerequisite for deacon formation, those men who are at all interested in the diaconate, or are even questioning the possibility that God might be calling them to this ministry in the Church, need to enroll in the Ministry Formation Program for this fall. Otherwise, they risk not having the needed requirements for admission. For questions concerning the Ministry Formation Program, please contact IlaMae Hanisch at 563-888-4243. For questions concerning deacon formation please contact Deacon Frank Agnoli at 563-888-4257.

Click here for information concerning the Ministry Formation and Deacon Formation programs.

Video From the Archdiocese of Toronto

The Archdiocese of Toronto, Canada, has produced an excellent video explaining the Diaconate and diaconal ministry. While some of the information is particular to that archdiocese, the video does provide a great overview of what it means to be a deacon.

2011-2012: Inquiry

Formation for the diaconate is divided into three phases: inquiry, aspirancy, and candidacy.

During the inquiry phase, those discerning a possible call to the diaconate begin a period of purposeful exploration. To help them in this process, we hosted "information days" in each of the six deaneries. The purpose of these inquiry sessions was to introduce men to the diaconate, explain our formation program, and answer any questions that they or their wives might have.

If you are interested in the diaconate, but were unable to attend one of the inquiry sessions, please e-mail Deacon Agnoli as soon as possible.

Interviews will take place in the first half of 2012, with the Bishop's final decision on admission made in the summer.

2012-2014: Aspirancy

The Aspirancy phase of formation for class VII is set to begin in August 2012. The first year of Aspirancy will focus on prayer and discernment; the second year on beginning academic studies. The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is scheduled to be celebrated at the end of the second year.

2012-13: Year 1

2013-14: Year 2

2014-2017: Candidacy

2014-15: Year 1

2015-16: Year 2

2016-17: Year 3

2017-20: Post-Ordination Formation

According to the Directory, “[t]he goal for this path in formation is to responsibly address the various aspects of a deacon’s ministry, the development of his personality and, above all, his commitment to spiritual growth” (#239). This phase of formation is divided into two parts: the initial three years after ordination and life-long formation.

During the first three years after ordination, those newly-ordained (and their wives) continue to take part in regular gatherings for formation as a community. In addition, those newly ordained begin to develop a specific formation plan that addresses their specific needs. Such additional formation could include an in-depth study of another language needed to care for a particular community, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), or any other type of preparation for a particular or specialized ministry.

Beyond the initial three years after ordination, deacons (and their wives) continue to take part in formation events and retreats for the entire diaconal community—as well as continue to take responsibility for their continued ministerial formation through reading, course-work, theological reflection groups, and the like.

Post-Ordination Formation is the responsibility of the Deacon Personnel Director.