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Deacon Formation Program
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This webpage introduces the Deacon Formation
Program for our diocese. Here you will find answers to the most
frequently asked questions, links to the formation
calendar, and specific information about the
three phases of formation: Inquiry,
Aspirancy, and Candidacy. You are also able to access specific information about the components of the formation program. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Director of Deacon Formation.
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Table of Contents
What is "discernment"?
Maybe it is easier to begin by saying what discernment is not! It is not an event, though there may be times when we are more intentional about discernment--especially when it comes to questions of vocation--than others. It is not decision-making, though discernment often includes a decision. Discernment, rather, is learning to listen with the ears of our hearts. Discernment is a way of life--to which every Christian is called.
Discernment is about relationship: about acknowledging God's presence in our individual and communal histories, about recognizing God's presence in our daily lives, and about trusting in God's abiding presence into the future.
There are times, however, when we need to enter into a process of more intentional discernment against the "background" of being attentive to God's presence. In those times, David Lonsdale ("What is Discernment" in Praying, Nov-Dec 1993, pp.34-36) mentions that we need to pay particular attention to:
What is "formation"?
Formation refers to a gradual and ongoing process of transformation into the pattern of Christ and his ministry. Formation is marked by:
Information from the St. John's University School of Theology & Seminary Spiritual Formation Program, the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity, and the Vincentian Institute of Pastoral Studies.
Who decides what formation involves?
The guiding document for the formation of deacons is the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. Published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2005, it may be accessed on their website by clicking here.
There are three phases to the Deacon Formation Program: Inquiry, Aspirancy, and Candidacy. They are described in more detail below.
The Directory calls for a comprehensive program of formation addressing four key areas: the Human, the Spiritual, the Intellectual, and the Pastoral.
Would you say some more about these four areas of formation?
According to the National Directory:
Human formation refers to growth in the human virtues, in the capacity to relate to others, in affective or emotional maturity (including psychosexual maturity and health), and in the ongoing formation of one's conscience (§108)--in order to help the minister be a bridge rather than an obstacle for others in their encounter with Christ (§109). "The first goal of spiritual formation is the establishment and nourishment of attitudes, habits, and practices that will set the foundation for a lifetime of ongoing spiritual discipline" (§110).
Spiritual formation is focused on assisting the candidate to be rooted in the attitudes and example of Christ the Servant, for that is to whom he will be configured sacramentally at ordination (§112).
Intellectual formation focuses on imparting to the candidate a "complete and serious" knowledge of the faith and the Church's tradition in order to help make him a more effective minister, a reliable witness and truthful spokesman for the Church and the Church's teaching (§118).
In baptism, all are called to share in the priestly, prophetic, and royal (servant-leadership) offices of Christ. The pastoral dimension in diaconal formation builds on the many ways the candidate has already lived his baptismal call to holiness and seeks to help the candidate develop those capacities and skills necessary for diaconal ministry. The National Directory specifically names the following skills: "how to proclaim the Christian message and teach it, how to lead others in communal celebrations of liturgical prayer, and how to witness to the Church in a Christian service marked by charity and justice" (§127). Likewise, the National Directory highlights the following qualities: "a spirit of pastoral responsibility and servant-leadership; generosity and perseverance; creativity; respect for ecclesial communion; and filial obedience to the bishop" (§127).
Who is in charge of formation? Who decides who gets to be a deacon?
The Director of Deacon Formation is Deacon Frank Agnoli. He may be reached at 563-324-1912 x255 or agnoli@davenportdiocese.org.
In addition, a whole team of individuals is involved in formation: In addition to Deacon Agnoli, Deacons Bob McCoy and David Montgomery -- and their wives -- form the core Deacon Formation Team. Father Marty Goetz, Vocations Director for the diocese, serves as our spiritual director. In addition, mentors, spiritual directors, and faculty presenters -- as well as the applicant's pastor, parish, and family -- are key members of the formation process.
The Director and the Admissions and Scrutinies Committee advise the bishop regarding admission into and continuation in the Deacon Formation Program. The final decisions, however, are his.
What are you looking for in possible future deacons?
Here are the basic qualifications that we are looking for in men discerning a call to the diaconate:
I think I am being called to the diaconate. What do I need to do?
First of all, make sure that -- if you are married -- that you have talked about this with your wife (and family). Second, you will want to have a conversation with your pastor, since he will be an important part of the discernment and formation process.
If you have not completed the two-year basic Ministry Formation Program, you will need to do so before admission into Candidacy. Please contact IlaMae Hanisch (641-791-3435; on Wednesdays: 563-324-1912 x271) as soon as possible to find out more about this program. You can also visit their webpage for more information.
Take a look at the information posted under "Inquiry" below.
And, finally, please contact the Director of Deacon Formation (or 563-324-1912 x255) with any questions you might have and to talk more about the application process.
Click here to access the calendar for August 2007 - July 2008.
Click here to access the calendar for August 2008 - July 2009.
During the Year of Inquiry, men and their families begin to more intentionally explore the possibility of a call to the diaconate. Just as the possible applicants begin to get to know the Church and the diaconate in a more specific way, so, too, does the Church begin to get to know these men. Here are some resources that those interested in exploring the diaconate might find helpful:
Click here for specific information regarding Class VI.
Click here for specific information regarding Class VI.
According to the National Directory, the "Candidate path in diaconal formation is the occasion for continued discernment of a diaconal vocation and immediate preparation for ordination" (§204). The study of theology and related topics becomes a central part of the four-years of Candidacy. Pastoral field placement, parish ministry, and meetings with one's mentor and spiritual director continue.
Click here for specific information regarding Class VI.
Academics
While the focus of Aspirancy is on spiritual development and discernment, this does not mean that the intellectual side of formation is ignored. Aspirants will be introduced to the skills required for theological study, to the process of theological reflection, and to a basic presentation of philosophy needed for understanding theology.
During
Candidacy, significant attention is paid to the academic study of
theology. We are happy to announce that the
Department of Theology at
St. Ambrose
University will serve as our faculty and that candidates (and their
spouses) will have the option of enrolling in the
Masters of Pastoral Theology degree program as part deacon
formation. Those intending to earn the degree must meet acceptance,
continuation, and degree
requirements specified by the University and Department.
Evaluations
Discernment is a two-way street. Just as the aspirant and candidate are getting to learn more about themselves, the Church, and the diaconal vocation, the Church--through the formation team--is getting to know more about them. Throughout formation, there will be regular evaluations sought from pastors, parish councils, mentors, and field placement supervisors--as well as formal psychological testing of the applicant (and his wife) during Aspirancy. In addition, the Director of Formation will conduct annual interviews with applicants and their wives--and the Admissions and Scrutinies Committee (made up of representatives from across the diocese, lay and ordained, married and vowed religious, men and women) will also conduct annual interviews and/or reviews. The Bishop will also interview applicants and their wives before Candidacy, Installation to the Ministry of Lector, and Ordination (at the end of Aspirancy, Candidacy Year 2, and Candidacy Year 4). At the end of each year, a recommendation for continuation or dismissal will be made to the Bishop, who makes the final decision.
Liturgical Ministries
Throughout formation, aspirants and candidates will be asked to exercise--in turn--specific liturgical ministries in their parishes: usher/greeter, sacristan, altar server, reader/lector, and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
Mentors
Throughout the year of Aspirancy and the four years of Candidacy, those enrolled in the Deacon Formation Program (and their wives) will meet monthly with a deacon-mentor (and his wife). "The mentor is charged with following the formation of those committed to his care, offering support and encouragement" (National Directory, §280).
Pastoral Field Placement
Regular participation in pastoral ministry outside of the parish setting is an important component of deacon formation. Aspirants begin with an introductory exposure to pastoral ministry, while candidates--as they progress through the program--are assigned to more challenging and varied settings.
Retreats and Liturgical Rites
Summers in the formation program are marked by required retreats (usually in June) and the celebration of particular liturgical rites (usually in July), such as the Rite of Admission to Candidacy, Installation into the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte, and Ordination.
Spiritual Direction
Aspirants and candidates will also meet monthly with a priest-spiritual director, who will assist him with vocational discernment and developing his life of prayer. The conversations between the director and the aspirant or candidate are strictly confidential.
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