4 - Year Formation Program
The deacon is called personally and ecclesially to serve after the manner of
Jesus. He is first and foremost a Christian man in his usual employment and
lifestyle, trained and formed by additional study and prayer for a special ministry
to the community as an ordained minister. To be accepted into the Diaconate
training program in Cleveland it is required that a man:
Be at least 31 years old at time of application for the Diaconate. (minimum age for
ordination is 35)
Be a Roman Catholic of sound moral character, mature faith and have a sense of
vocation to service.
Demonstrate prayerfulness and be open to further spiritual formation.
Have attained at least a high school diploma and have the ability to complete
undergraduate college level studies.
Be of sound physical and mental health
Be attuned to the needs and life of the Church today.
Have demonstrated active service, apostolic involvement and leadership among
the people of God. He must be an active member of his parish for at least three
years.
Have proven stability in his secular employment and family life.
If married, have the enthusiastic support of his wife and family. He must be in a
valid Catholic marriage for at least five years.
Demonstrate the basic potential to develop the ministerial skills of relating to
people, speaking well and being a spiritual leader.
Have the support of a sponsoring pastor or institution who would welcome his
ministy.
Be able to represent the Church with intelligence, Christian dignity and prayerful
service.
The best credentials a candidate can bring to the Diaconate is his past
performance: personal, familial, professional, ecclesial, and social.
A deacon is ordained in service to the Diocese and serves at the discretion of his
Bishop.
PARISH SERVICE
Liturgical celebrations (baptisms, marriages, preaching, presiding at prayer,
communion, and funeral services)
Religious Education
Ministry to the sick, aged, and dying
Pastoral Counseling
Widowed and divorced
Youth
Prayer groups
Evangelization and RCIA
SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES
Service to various minority communities
Prisons
Hospitals and Nursing Homes
Chemically dependent
Physically, mentally, and emotionally handicapped
And many other important ministries already existing or yet to be discovered
Examples of Diaconal Ministy