4 - Year Formation Program
Made with Xara
The formation and preparation of candidates for the Diaconate in the Diocese of Cleveland is on a part-time basis over a period of four (4) years.
Formal classes are conducted at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, Ohio.
The school year consists of two semesters with classes normally held on Wednesday evenings [approximately 6:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.] & Saturday mornings [approximately 8:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.].
Wednesday evenings include a Liturgy of the Hours and Saturday morning includes a Mass.
The Diaconate Formation Program begins with an orientation day in the Fall.
There is an annual Retreat for candidates and their wives.
The major share of expenses is assumed by the diocese.
The Diaconate Formation Program consists of family, spiritual, theological, and pastoral formation.
Family:  The wives and children of the candidates have opportunities for personal and family growth along with the candidates themselves, e.g., Family Weekend, family cluster sessions for families to
share together. Proper understanding of the Diaconate and positive support on the part of the wives and the children of the candidates are essential to a satisfying and successful diaconal ministry. The first
commitment of the candidate is to his family.
Spiritual:  The spiritual aspect of the program consists in opportunities designed to help the candidate understand himself and his potential for spiritual growth. It seeks to provide motivation, inspiration, and
information so that he can pray better and integrate his study, daily work life and family life. A life of prayer and a life of service come together in the person of the candidate.
Theological:  The theological formation seeks to provide adequate theological training for effective ministers of the gospel. The deacon, therefore, would have enough knowledge of theology to be
competent and comfortable in the specific ministry he exercises. Required courses would include sacred scripture, catechetics, homiletics, liturgical-sacramental theology and some areas of systematic
theology.
Pastoral:  The pastoral formation aspect of the program serves to help the candidate in providing field experience under supervision, assisting the candidate in acquiring ministerial skills and pastoral
sensitivity. It seeks to derive a theological awareness from the actual context of ministry. It helps him to test out his capabilities and interests, his strengths and weaknesses. It provides an opportunity to
deepen faith and strengthen commitment to service. It seeks to provide an arena for the integration of the spiritual, theological, and pastoral aspects of formation. The Pastoral Formation Program is
conducted with the assistance of the candidate's pastor and parish.