A Brief Overview Permanent Diaconate Formation Program

Within the Catholic Church, the permanent diaconate is one unique and important vocation. Among the pastoral responsibilities carried out by ordained clergy members who serve as permanent deacons include preaching, teaching, and assisting with the sacraments.  

 

To provide candidates for the permanent diaconate with the necessary skills for this sacred ministry, the Church has developed thorough formation programs. Here's a brief overview of the permanent diaconate formation program you should know: 

 

What is the Diaconate Formation Program? 

 

The Permanent Diaconate Formation Program is a period of discernment for men considering a call to the diaconate and for the Church. 

 

When a person is admitted to the Permanent Diaconate Formation program, they usually fall between the ages of 35 and 60. To be eligible for the formation program, married deacons must have been together for at least seven years. 

 

After being ordained to the diaconate, single males are usually prohibited from marrying and must make a serious and public commitment to living a celibate life. The candidates have to be financially secure and either employed or retired. The services of permanent deacons are provided without compensation. 

 

What will you learn from the Diaconate Formation Program? 

 

Usually, a five-year period is dedicated to the Diaconate Formation Program. The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies serves as the foundational intellectual component for a diocese's permanent diaconate program. Each diocese personalizes the degree program by incorporating specified electives and timelines to meet formal needs.  

 

A collaborative approach with formators in each diocese ensures excellent intellectual formation complemented by the other formational dimensions. An overall academic advising program is provided, offering diocesan formation teams intellectual reporting tools like advising assessments, reporting, and regular evaluation meetings. Most of them will be personalized to the specific direction and requests of each diocese. 

 

Discernment and Application 

 

Forming starts with application and judgment. Candidate decisions to become permanent deacons are helped by spiritual mentors and leaders, introspection, and prayer. They apply to their local diocese to start official preparation if they feel called to this vocation. Spiritual, human, intellectual, and pastoral formation are the four main focuses of formation programs. 

 

Spiritual Development: Through prayer, sacraments, Scripture study, and retreats, candidates develop their spirituality. Creating a personal relationship with God and developing a Catholic spirituality are encouraged. 

 

Human Formation: The goal is the advancement of candidates. A diaconate curriculum develops virtues like empathy, compassion, emotional maturity, and communication abilities. 

 

Pastoral Formation: Candidates get pastoral experience through jail ministry, hospital visits, and Mass help. Proficient deacons and priests provide them with guidance, allowing them to use their theological expertise in pastoral situations. 

 

Intellectual Formation: Training in theology is a component of intellectual formation. Scripture, Church history, Catholic theology, liturgy, and morals are taught to the students. They get knowledge on how to defend and explain pastoral skills and church doctrine. 

 

Since 1969, St. Bernard's has had a permanent diaconate program, eager to put the Second Vatican Council's directives into practice. If you are a person who has an interest in the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, then St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry is the best place to study.