Deacon Formation
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Contact Us
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agnolidavenportdiocese.orgDirector of Liturgy & Director of Deacon Formation
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From the USCCB
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From Salt & Light (Canada)
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From Sancta Familia Media (Scotland)
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Corporal Works of Mercy
1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked
4. Shelter the homeless
5. Visit the Sick
6. Visit the imprisoned
7. Bury the dead
8. Care for creation -
Spiritual Works of Mercy
1. Admonish the sinner
2. Instruct the ignorant
3. Counsel the doubtful
4. Bear wrongs patiently
5. Forgve offenses willingly
6. Comfort the afflicted
7. Pray for the living and the dead
8. Care for creation (“grateful contemplation of God’s world”)
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Welcome!
Our Church needs deacons! We need deacons to celebrate the sacraments and pray with us. We need deacons to preach the word and teach the faith. And we need deacons to serve the poor and those most in need, to go to the margins, and to work for justice in the world. But can’t others do those things? Of course! Which is why we need deacons most of all: to remind all of us that we are all called to be of service! That is, deacons are to be a witness and example, a sign of Christ the Servant, for the whole Church. But witnesses need to be credible. That’s why we have this office. Our first and most important task is to help men discern if they are really called to be ordained to this ministry. At the same time, we help men prepare for this ministry through the study of theology and pastoral care, practical experiences in the parish and community, spiritual direction, and shared prayer.
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What you'll find here....
Haga clic aquí para ver esta página en español.
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.Click here for prayer for vocations and those in formation.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions Program Components Inquiry Aspirancy Candidacy Post-Ordination Formation
Pastoral Resources
(including Liturgy of the Hours)Academic Resources -
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Do you think you might be called to the Diaconate?
The purpose of the Deacon Formation Program is to help men discern if they are called to the diaconate, and to help prepare them for that ministry. For questions concerning deacon formation please contact Deacon Frank Agnoli at 563-888-4257.
The diocese's Ministry Formation Program has been a prerequisite for deacon formation. The Program is in the process of being revised; once updated information is available we will post it here.
Videos on YouTube...
From the US Bishops (about 2 1/2 minutes): Bishop Octavio Cisneros of the Diocese of Brooklyn outlines how serving as a permanent deacon is an important response to God's invitation to help others.
From Salt & Light (about 28 min.): Hear from deacons and their wives about diaconal ministry, with host Pedro Guevara Mann.
From Sancta Familia Media, in Scotland (about 19 min.).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:
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Assiduous Prayer. Prayer creates the climate necessary for discernment, the space in which we can hear the whisper of the Spirit.
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Adequate Information. We need to learn the facts about what it is that we are discerning. For example, those discerning a call to the diaconate will want to learn more about what this ministry in the Church is all about--both in theory and in practice. That's why we have a formation program!
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Reflecting on our affective response. We need to be attentive to our feelings and experiences, and reflect intentionally upon them. What is the Spirit saying through these feelings and desires? What spirit is at work - the Holy Spirit or some other, or am I just listening to myself? A competent spiritual director can help you sort such questions out.
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Weighing the reasons. Feelings can also be misleading, so we need to way the options before us rationally as well. What are the reasons for and against each option before us?
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Confirmation. Discernment does not take place in a vacuum but in a web of relationships. What are those closest to me, the ones who know me best, saying? What about the Christian community? In discerning a call to ordained ministry, the call must be confirmed by the Bishop.
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:
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growth in human maturity, ministerial spirituality, and the necessary pastoral skills by which one ministers to and in the Church in a compassionate and professional manner;
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integration of learning on an intellectual, spiritual, human/emotional, and pastoral level towards greater wholeness/holiness and ministerial competence;
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a coming to terms with the public, social, and ecclesial dimensions of ministry (both lay and ordained; that is, acceptance of responsibility and ownership both for one's self and for the larger ecclesial community; and
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a priority on shared community as essential to ministerial growth, recognizing that--although spirituality is intensely personal--it is only in the context of community that the journey of discipleship and the discernment of vocation can be tested, affirmed, informed, and celebrated.
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, 2nd edition.
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 (§116)--in order to help the minister be a bridge rather than an obstacle for others in their encounter with Christ (§117).
"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" (§118). 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 (§120).
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 (§127).
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" (§136). Likewise, the National Directory highlights the following qualities: "a spirit of pastoral responsibility and servant-leadership; generosity and perseverance; ability to collaborate; creativity; respect for ecclesial communion; and filial obedience to the diocesan bishop" (§136).
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 563-888-4257 or at [email protected].
In addition, a whole team of individuals is involved in formation: In addition to Deacon Agnoli, Marianne Agnoli, Deacon Jeff Schuetzle, Deacon Steve Barton, and Fr. Thom Hennen form the core Deacon Formation Team.
Father Hennen, Vicar General for the diocese, serves as our director of spiritual formation. Deacon Barton serves as the coordinator for pastoral field formation while Deacon Schuetzle, Director of the Diaconate for our diocese, coordinates the mentors.
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 Admission 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:
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sound moral character, in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church for not less than three years, and who is free of canonical impediments or irregularities;
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deep spirituality and prayer life that reflects a sound, mature faith attuned to the needs and life of the Church in balance with personal and family needs;
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frequent participant in the Church's sacramental life and in adult faith enrichment opportunities, and who demonstrates leadership in the Church and community;
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natural inclination to service to the Church community and to all in need, with the ability to lead, facilitate, and animate others into service;
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if married, a positive and stable marriage of at least five years and his wife consenting to admission to the program; if not married, a mature celibate state of life;
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sound physical and mental health;
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at the time of ordination, at least 35 years old and not more than 65 years old.
I think I am being called to the diaconate. What do I need to do?
First of all, make sure -- 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.
Take a look at the information posted under "Inquiry" below.
And, finally, please contact the Director of Deacon Formation (or 563-888-4257) with any questions you might have and to talk more about the application process.
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:
Diocesan Brochure (2021)
Diaconate Q&A (2021)
Suggestions for Inquiry Year (2021)
Click here for specific information regarding Class VII.
Click here for specific information regarding Class VIII.
Click here for specific information regarding Class IX.
Aspirancy is "primarily a time to discern the capability and readiness of an aspirant to be nominated to the diocesan bishop for acceptance as a candidate for diaconal ordination" (National Directory, §190). In addition to classroom sessions that focus on spirituality, prayer, and discernment, time will also be spent in ministerial assignments and in meeting with a deacon-mentor and priest-spiritual director.
Click here for specific information regarding Class VII.
Click here for specific information regarding Class VIII.
Click here for specific information regarding Class IX.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" (§213). 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 VII.
Click here for specific information regarding Class VIII.
Click here for specific information regarding Class IX.
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 formation, 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 Master 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 Admission 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 every other year. 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 Education
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 RitesSummers 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.
Spanish Language Requirement
During some point in their formation, Aspirants and Candidates will have the opportunity to learn the basics, or expand their mastery, of pastoral Spanish.
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. Click here for a helpful spiritual direction tool, courtesy of Trish Gallagher.
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" (#251). This phase of formation is divided into two parts: the initial five years after ordination and life-long formation.
During the first five 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 five 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 Diaconate Director.
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