Permanent Diaconate
What is the Permanent Diaconate Program?
The order of the diaconate is an ancient order of the Church re-instituted as a permanent office by Pope Paul VI at the suggestion of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). While every priest is ordained a deacon, as a necessary step toward ordination to the priesthood, ordination to the diaconate does not have to be transitory. Many are ordained to what is called the permanent diaconate and serve as deacons the rest of their lives.
Deacons are men who love God and love the Church: they feel called to serve in a more committed way. The role of the deacon is to be a helper of the bishops and priest and to proclaim by his life the Church’s call to service.
The Permanent Diaconate Formation Program in the
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
The Office of Permanent Diaconate assists candidates in their formation through a one year discernment program and a four-year program of academic instruction, spiritual development, and practical pastoral experience. Upon Completion, each man is prepared to minister as a deacon in parishes and other ministerial situations, preaching the Gospel, serving the poor and assisting in the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy of the Church.
Candidates for the Permanent Diaconate come from all backgrounds – from prior seminary experience to the world of the totally secular. While a college degree is not necessary to enter the program, the viable candidate must be able to master materials presented at the collegiate or graduate school level.
Other criteria include:
- Be a practicing Catholic layman who will be at least 40 years of age at the time of ordination and be no older than 61 on January 1st in the year of recruitment
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be a fully initiated Catholic in good standing with the church
- Have a familiarity with Church Theology
- Should be actively involved in ministries at either the parish or diocesan level
- If married, be in a stable marriage of at least 5 years and have the support and agreement of his wife and family to pursue a diaconal vocation
- If unmarried (being single or widower), to be living in a lifestyle consistent with the call to a celebrate ordained ministry of the Catholic Church. Unmarried individuals will be required to take an oath of permanent celibacy before ordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last Permanent Deacon class?
The last class was ordained in 1983.
When will the present class be ordained?
The present class will be ordained in 2011.
When will the next class start?
The next class will not begin until this class has been ordained.
What is the time commitment for those in the Permanent Deacon Program?
The Program of Formation is scheduled for four years, with classes conducted by the Diocese. Classes will be approximately one weekend per month with 2 workshops on pastoral ministries per year, 2 days of Reflection and 1 Retreat Weekend per year.
What is the minimum and maximum age to enroll in the formation program?
Applicants must be at least 40 years of age and not older than 61 years on January 1st. In the year of recruitment.
What are the necessary requirements to apply for the
Permanent Deacon Program of Formation?
- Be a practicing Catholic layman who will be at least 45 years of age at the time of ordination and be no older than 61 on January 1st in the year of recruitment.
- Be actively involved in ministries at either a parish or diocesan level
- If married, be in a stable marriage, of at least 5 years, and have the support and agreement of his wife and family to pursue a diaconal vocation.
- If unmarried (single or widower), be living in a lifestyle consistent with the call to the celebrate ordained ministry of the Catholic Church (individual will be required to take an oath of celibacy before ordination).
- Be a United States citizen or hold a valid status as a “Resident Alien” in the USA.
Where will classes be offered?
Classes for the Formation Program will be offered at Lindenwood Retreat Center in Donaldson, IN. Workshops, Days of Reflection and Retreats will be held at Diocesan facilities to be announced.
What classes are required of those in the formation program?
The deacons of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, are being trained in such a way that they could be “of good service to the Church” regardless of the environment or ministry into which they might be placed. Consequently, the Program of Formation is intended to provide applicants the requisite education and understanding to serve in a parish or in an extra-parochial setting. To that end, the mandatory studies include:
- Fundamentals of Theology
- Dogmatic Theology
- Christology
- Ecclesiology
- Fundamentals of Moral Theology
- Scripture
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- The Gospels of Jesus Christ
- Patristics
- Sacramentology
- Canon Law
- Homiletics and Liturgical Patristics
Should applicants to the program possess a degree?
The Program of Formation assumes no prior knowledge or education in Religious Studies. A college degree is not required. Successful candidates must be able to master materials presented at the undergraduate and graduate school levels.
Is my spouse allowed to attend classes?
Wives are welcome/encouraged to attend all formation activities at no cost.
What is the cost of the Permanent Deacon Program?
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, through the Bishops Appeal, will cover all educational costs for men enrolled the Permanent Deacon Program.
How may I apply for the Permanent Deacon Program?
Applications are only sent to men who have been recommended by their pastor. It is recommended that you speak with your pastor, telling him that you are interested in becoming a Permanent Deacon and become active in your parish. Pastors will be notified when the next class will begin and asked for the names of men they would recommend to the Permanent Diaconate.
If you have additional questions please contact:
Mary Szymczak
Director
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Blessed John Paul II Center
1328 Dragoon Tr.
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 234-0687
mszymczak@fw.diocesefwsb.org
