Michael Brooks
Becoming a Catholic deacon requires a significant amount of study and preparation. Candidates must meet various requirements, including age, education, and health standards, as well as demonstrating a commitment to the faith and involvement in parish ministry. The formation program typically lasts around four to five years and includes academic, spiritual, and pastoral elements. While some costs are associated with the process, certain programs, like the one offered by the Archdiocese of Washington, are free, with the exception of books and related fees. Candidates and their spouses are expected to participate in interviews, workshops, and classes as part of their preparation for the diaconate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | 30-60 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED; college degree preferred |
| Health | Physically and mentally healthy |
| Employment | Stable secular employment |
| Parish Ministry | Active involvement for at least 3 years |
| Marriage | Catholic sacramental marriage for at least 5 years; widowed for at least 5 years; divorced for at least 5 years with annulment |
| Family | Catholic faith practiced as an established family tradition |
| Service | At least 2 years of liturgical or other service to the Church, with at least 1 year in the parish of registration |
| Application Process | Intensive screening, including interviews, psychological evaluation, and submission of various documents |
| Formation Program Duration | 4-5 years, including discernment, pastoral, spiritual, and academic formation |
| Formation Program Cost | Books and related fees; tuition for wives pursuing a master's degree |
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What You'll Learn
Education requirements
To become a Catholic deacon, one must meet several requirements, including age, religious affiliation, and marriage requirements. In addition, deacon candidates must satisfy specific education requirements.
Firstly, deacon candidates must have at least a high school diploma or GED. A college degree is preferred, and candidates must demonstrate the ability to learn in a structured academic environment. They should also be able to dedicate time to the formation program, which can vary in length but typically lasts around four to five years.
The formation program consists of academic, social, pastoral, and spiritual elements, all designed to "form" the candidate into the image of Christ the servant. It is a comprehensive program that addresses the mission and identity of diaconal ministry through the four pillars of formation: the Human, Intellectual, Spiritual, and Pastoral. Candidates will deepen their knowledge and appreciation of sacred scripture and doctrinal studies, and their pastoral experience will strengthen their effectiveness in ministering to the needs of the people.
The Archdiocese of Chicago, for example, offers a Deacon Formation Program with classes that meet two evenings a week for three years. The University of Saint Mary of the Lake also has a Deacon Formation Program that includes a comprehensive Catechism of the Catholic Church course and a Service to Charity field education component. Candidates are required to participate in monthly spiritual direction and Theological Reflection Groups for three years. They must also complete a service project and a year-long parish ministry internship.
The cost of these programs varies and is typically shared between the diocese, the candidate's parish, and the candidate. Some programs, like the one offered by the Archdiocese of Washington, are free, except for books and related fees. Others, like St. Leo University, bill the candidate for approximately one-third of the total cost each semester. Wives of candidates may also pursue a master's degree, but they are usually responsible for paying full tuition.
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Age and marital status
The Second Vatican Council decreed that the diaconate could be opened to "mature married men," later clarified to mean men over the age of 35. Candidates for the diaconate are expected to be mature men, usually between the ages of 30 and 65. Some sources state that the age range is even broader, from the late 20s to the 60s. At the time of ordination, candidates must be a minimum of 35 years old, though one source suggests 25 for unmarried men. There is also a maximum age of 60 according to one source.
Marital status is an important consideration for prospective deacons. Single men who are ordained deacons take a promise of celibacy and may not marry once they are ordained. If married, a deacon candidate should be in a stable marriage for a number of years, with some sources specifying a minimum of seven years. The candidate must have the expressed consent and support of his wife, and his children should also be of an age where they will not be unduly affected by their father's pursuit of a life of service. The spouse's support and participation will be crucial, and she must be willing to be involved in the screening and formation processes. The marriage must be recognised by the Church, and if the deacon is divorced, he must seek an annulment.
Deacons may not remarry, and if single or widowed, they are expected to lead a life of celibacy. This is in keeping with ancient practice, which expects that while a married man may be ordained, an ordained man may not marry again without special permission, even if his wife passes away.
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Application process
The application process to become a Catholic deacon is a lengthy one, and there are many requirements that must be met.
Firstly, a prospective applicant should request a Pre-application and Inquiry form from the Deacon Formation Program. This form will help uncover any issues and provide other crucial information for the application process. After this, the applicant should discuss their desire to apply with their pastor, who can advise on whether this is a calling from God. The pastor will then fill out a recommendation form and submit it to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. The applicant should also discuss the decision with their family and priest, and if married, receive the consent of their spouse.
Following this, the applicant and their spouse (if applicable) will be asked to attend a discernment retreat, which is a day of prayer and information. After the retreat, the applicant must submit all required documents, including a letter of recommendation from their pastor. The diocesan diaconate committee will then review the application and decide whether to recommend the applicant to the Bishop for final approval.
The application process also includes a psychological evaluation, a credit and background check, and intensive screening. The applicant's health, both physical and mental, will be assessed, and they must be able to demonstrate a stable family life and secular employment.
The formation program itself is an extensive course of study, typically lasting around five years, with some programs offering additional years of continuing formation immediately following ordination. During this time, candidates will deepen their knowledge of sacred scripture and doctrinal studies, and develop their pastoral experience. They will also be required to participate in class and group discussions, sharing their faith and ministry experiences.
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Formation program
The formation program to become a Catholic deacon is a lengthy process that typically lasts four to five years, including both academic and spiritual components. The Archdiocese of Washington, for example, offers a five-year formation program with two years of discernment (aspirancy) and three years of pastoral, spiritual, and academic formation as a candidate for Holy Orders. Similarly, the St. Francis School of Theology for Deacons has a four-year formation program leading to ordination, followed by three years of continuing formation after ordination.
The Deacon Formation Program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake also provides a comprehensive curriculum. It starts with a Welcome Mass and an opening retreat and concludes with a closing retreat and a review by an admission and scrutiny board. The program includes a Catechism of the Catholic Church course, a Service to Charity field education component, and a year-long parish ministry internship. Candidates are required to participate in monthly spiritual direction and Theological Reflection Groups throughout the three-year journey of formation and academic studies.
The Archdiocese of Chicago's Deacon Formation Program has a distinct formation process that addresses the mission and identity of diaconal ministry through four pillars: Human, Intellectual, Spiritual, and Pastoral. It educates men for the three-fold ministry of service to the Word, Liturgy, and Charity. Candidates in various deacon formation programs are expected to participate in workshops, training, and classes that cover a range of topics, including theology, liturgy, and pastoral issues.
The formation program typically involves a rigorous application and selection process. Candidates must meet certain requirements, including age, education, health, and involvement in the Church. They must submit applications through their priest, who provides a letter of recommendation. The application process includes interviews, psychological evaluations, and a review of the candidate's standing in the Church. Candidates may also be required to submit applications for canonical dispensations for any past misconduct. The selection process aims to ensure that candidates are suitable for the deacon role and are called to serve God's people.
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Costs
The costs of becoming a Catholic deacon vary depending on the diocese and the specific programme. Some programmes, like the one offered by the Archdiocese of Washington, are free aside from the cost of books and related fees. Other programmes, such as the one at St. Leo University in South Carolina, split the costs between the diocese, the candidate's parish, and the candidate. Candidates at St. Leo are billed approximately one-third of the total cost each semester, with the diocese paying the university directly and invoicing the parish and student for their portions.
The University of Saint Mary of the Lake's Deacon Formation Programme, on the other hand, does not mention fees but does require candidates' wives to attend certain formation sessions, classes, and monthly spiritual direction for one year. Similarly, the Archdiocese of Chicago's Deacon Formation Programme requires candidates' wives to participate in monthly spiritual direction and Theological Reflection Groups for three years. These mandatory wife participations may incur additional costs.
The St. Francis School of Theology for Deacons in Denver also has a formation programme, but its costs are unclear. However, they require applicants to have been faithfully practising Catholics for at least five years, and they do not accept married applicants who use contraceptives. The Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey offers a four-year deacon formation programme that requires candidates' wives to attend three workshops per year. Again, the costs of these programmes are not explicitly stated.
Overall, while the costs of Catholic deacon study vary by programme, most require some financial contribution from the candidate and their parish. Additionally, many programmes involve significant time commitments, with classes, workshops, and other requirements that may impact employment and family life. Candidates should carefully consider these factors when deciding to pursue the diaconate.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of studying to become a Catholic deacon varies. The formation program administered by the Archdiocese of Washington is free, but students are expected to pay for books and other related fees. The Deacon Formation Program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake also does not mention any fees. However, the Diocese of Metuchen mentions that the cost of studying to become a deacon is shared between the diocese, the candidate's parish, and the candidate.
To become a Catholic deacon, one must:
- Be a male
- Be at least 30 or 35 years old
- Be a practicing, baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church for at least 5 or 7 years
- Have earned at least a high school diploma
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Be single, married, or widowed, meeting certain marriage requirements
- Be actively involved in parish ministry for at least three years
- Have stable secular employment and family life
The application process to become a Catholic deacon typically involves:
- Discussing the decision with God, family, and a priest
- Submitting an application to the diocesan diaconate office through a priest, including a letter of recommendation
- Intensive screening, including several rounds of interviews
- Submitting various documents, such as certificates of baptism and marriage, medical reports, and background checks
- Participating in a series of workshops, training, and classes over a period of around four to five years
The formation program for Catholic deacons typically includes academic, spiritual, and pastoral formation. Deacon candidates are expected to participate in classes, workshops, and theological studies, as well as shadow their pastors, priests, and deacons in their ministerial duties. They may also be required to undertake internships and serve their parish communities.
The process of becoming a Catholic deacon typically takes around four to five years, including the formation program and the application process.
