Formation Program For Permanent Deacons

The Diocese of New Ulm

Sitio oficial de la Diócesis de New Ulm, Estados Unidos

Brochure for Permanent Deacons

THE PERMANENT DEACON

The office and ministry of the Permanent Deacon is a distinctive vocation in the Catholic Church. From the earliest period of Church life, Church leaders recognized the unique call to service given to the deacon at ordination. Deacons may be either married or single. A married deacon remains a husband, father and bread-winner. These responsibilities do not change because of ordination.

A deacon is one who serves the needs of others in his neighborhood, his place of work, his ordinary relationships, as well as in the church setting.

The deacon is one who, in his everyday experience, is willing to commit himself to a life of “washing the feet of the disciples,” wherever he finds them. Ordinarily, he is called upon to use the gifts that are uniquely his own.

When he receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders, several things happen: 1) he commits himself to a lifetime of service in the Church; 2) he is empowered to act as an ordained witness of Christian service; 3) he is given special sacramental graces necessary to carry out his function as a witness of the Gospel.

THE DEACON’S WIFE

Wives of deacons and deacon candidates have a very important role in the ministry. Wives are encouraged to participate in a number of the preparation sessions. It is important that a wife grows spiritually and intellectually with her husband so that both become fully developed witnesses of the Gospel.

In order to enter into the formation program, a deacon candidate must have the encouragement and approval of his wife. The deacon will assume new ministerial responsibilities because of his vocation. He will also assume a new role in the community and form new relationships with priests, deacons, lay ministers, as well as parish and area leadership.

THE THREE-FOLD MINISTRY OF THE DEACON

All three areas of ministry are equally important for diaconal ministry. The deacon’s role in the Diocese of New Ulm will be emphasized in the ministry of charity.

THE MINISTRY OF WORD

To preach the Gospel in the Sacred Liturgies of the Church and his life
To aid in the educational and catechetical apostolates
To participate in Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage preparation
To search out the fallen away and foster the evangelization of the unchurched
To promote ecumenism in the local communities, according to diocesan policies

THE MINISTRY OF LITURGY

To assist at the Eucharist and celebrate Eucharistic devotion
To baptize and witness marriages
To administer sacramentals, to bring Viaticum to the dying, and bury the dead
To organize and assist with prayer services and spiritual renewal
To promote vocations

THE MINISTRY OF CHARITY

To organize and lead the laity to exercise apostolates of charity
To care for the poor, the sick, the handicapped, the homeless, the elderly
To reach out to the alienated, the forgotten, the disturbed
To assist with stewardship and charitable giving efforts
To advocate for social justice

THE FORMATION PROGRAM

The formation program for the permanent diaconate consists of a one-year aspirancy program and an eight semester academic formation. These programs will be conducted over a five year time period. All of the academic sessions at present are staffed by personal from St. Meinrad’s Seminary in Indiana but are taught at Schoenstatt on the Lake in Sleepy Eye Minnesota. The remaining aspects of the program are staffed by local personnel under the direction of the Permanent Diaconate Office.

Aspirancy refers to the initial period of formation for those considering the permanent diaconate. It is a year of vocational discernment as well as a time to help prospective candidates demonstrate the abilities and skills that are required to become a deacon candidate.

Academic Formation refers to the eight semester curriculum that prepares deacon candidates for ordination. The formation consists of courses in theology, scripture and pastoral skills, including supervised internships and an on-campus course in homiletics.

PROGRAM COSTS

The majority of the costs of the program are funded by the annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal. Pros
pective candidates pay a fee of $500 for the aspirancy program and are responsible for all transportation and personal library costs for all the years of formation. A scholarship fund based on financial need is available to prospective candidates.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR A PERMANENT DEACON

IN THE DIOCESE OF NEW ULM

A. Personal Qualifications:

1.A confirmed, practicing Roman Catholic, married or single and at least thirty‑five (35) years of age at the time of ordination and not normally more than fifty-five (55) years of age at the time ofIf married, married only once and the marriage must be validated according to the norms of the Church.
2.A proven ability to relate with others effectively, which is verified by letters of recommendation.
3.A personal commitment to live a healthy, balanced, prayerful and holy lifestyle.
4.Since the deacon is not ordinarily paid for his services, he must be economically stable and free of unreasonable debt and must have the time to devote to diaconal service.
5.In good physical and psychological health as shown by a medical and psychological examination within six months of application with results given to the Director of the PermanentIf there is a history of addiction, recovery must have a three-year history and there must be ongoing participation in a treatment program.
6.A background check reveals no criminal activity or sexual misconduct.
7.Accepts Church Law and authority, appreciates the Church’s tradition, especially as articulated by the Second VaticanObedience to the bishop and the priest to whom he is assigned is essential.
8.Applicant must be self-motivated, a person with integrity, responsible, a person of commitment and accountability, willing and able to assume a leadership role.

B. Marriage and Family Qualifications:

1.A partner in a stable marriage.
2.Married for at least five years.
3.Has the expressed consent and support of his wife.
4.If children are at home, special consideration must be given to their ages and needs in discerning the timeliness of pursuing formation.
5.Clearly understand that if a man becomes a deacon and his wife should die, he is obliged to remain celibate for the rest of his life.

If prospective candidate is a convert, he shall have practiced Catholicism for at least five years.

C. Single or Widower Qualification: Clearly understands that celibacy is a lifelong commitment for the unmarried deacon.

D. Educational Qualifications:

Sufficient prior educational training and intellectual ability in order to study collegiate and graduate-level theology and develop the ability to articulate the meaning to the Catholic community. Must be willing to commit to continuing education after ordination.
Organizational ability to manage the time and energy demands of diaconal training and ministry to his life without jeopardizing previous commitments to family and job.
Should have some a minimum of three (3) years participation in lay leadership, religious education classes, Catholic school religion courses, adult faith formation, or a spiritual formation program.
Should have a sufficiently developed prayer life.

E. Parish/Area Faith Community Involvement Qualifications:

A member of the parish/diocese for at least two (2) years.

2.Involved in parish/area ministry as well as community prayer and worship and well-accepted by fellow parishioners.
3.Must be collaborative and willing to work with others, especially the pastor and parish staff.
4.Must be service-oriented, sensitive to the needs of others, willing to seek out people in need and assist them.