Formation

Interested in the Permanent Diaconate?

Permanent deacons are ordained ministers of the Church who, like bishops and priests, have received the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Deacons are called to Diakonia – to be servants of God to His people.

The Permanent Diaconate is a threefold ministry:

    • Minister of the Word — To proclaim the Gospel and preach the homily.
    • Minister of the Liturgy — To baptize, to witness marriages, communion services, and conduct funeral rites.
    • Minister of Service — To work with the marginalized, the poor, the imprisoned, and bring comfort to the sick.

Minister of the Word

The deacon participates as an evangelizer and teacher in the Church’s mission of heralding the word. In the Liturgy of the Word, especially in the Eucharist or in those liturgies where he is the presiding minister, the deacon proclaims the Gospel. Other forms of his function in the Church’s ministry of the word include catechetical instruction, formation of candidates preparing for the sacraments, leadership roles in retreats and renewal programs and outreach to alienated Catholics.

 

Minister of Liturgy

In the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy, the deacon participates in specific penitential rites, proclaims the Gospel, may preach the homily in accord with the provisions of Canon Law and voices the needs of the people in the General Intercessions. He assists the presider in accepting the offerings of the people and helps to prepare the gifts for sacrifice. He may extend the invitation of peace, serve as an ordinary minister of communion and finally he dismisses the community at the end of the liturgy. Other liturgical roles include those of solemnly baptizing infants, witnessing marriages, bringing Viaticum to the dying and presiding over funeral rites. He may officiate at exposition, benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, conduct public rites of blessing and administer the Church’s Sacramentals as designated in the Book of Blessings

 

Minister of Charity

The deacon’s ministry of Word and Liturgy would be severely deficient, if it were not accompanied by his exemplary witness and assistance in the Church’s ministry of Charity and Justice. Thus, Pope John Paul II affirms both: “This is at the very heart of the diaconate to which you have been called: to be a servant of your brothers and sisters.” Thus we see the deacon ministering in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, soup kitchens and being of service to his fellow workers and, of course, his family. In a world hungry and thirsty for convincing signs of the compassion and liberating love of God, the deacon makes the mission of the Church visible in his words and deeds, responding to the master’s command of service and providing real-life examples of how to carry it out.

 

Candidates for the permanent diaconate in the Roman Catholic Church are admitted to the program under the sponsorship of their diocesan bishop or religious superior.  The Diocese of Buffalo Program for Diaconal Formation is aligned with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, 2nd Edition. 

 

  • Requirements

    The minimum requirements for acceptance into the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program are:

    • The inquirer must be between 30 and 55 years of age to begin discernment as an inquirer.
    • He must be recommended by the pastor of his parish and must already be involved in parish ministry for a period of time.
    • If married, the inquirer must be in a stable marriage.
    • If not married, he must be living in a celibate state and be resolved to remain celibate his entire life.
    • If divorced, he must have a church annulment.
    • The inquirer must be physically and emotionally healthy and free of any substance dependency.
    • The inquirer must have a clean criminal background.
    • The inquirer must be economically stable and self-sufficient.
    • It is expected that discernment, formation [and eventually diaconal] responsibilities will be in addition to secular occupations.
    • If the inquirer was not raised as a Catholic, five years must have elapsed since his baptism or full reception into the Catholic Church.
    • Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.
    • A willingness to make a commitment to all aspects of the discernment/formation program is expected. Inquirers are expected to successfully complete the necessary studies required during the discernment/formation program.
    • The wife of an inquirer must demonstrate her support and affirmation of her husband’s decision and be willing to participate in those programs and activities where the participation of Inquirer’s/Aspirant’s/Candidate’s wife is required.
    Among the many qualities and skills needed for fruitful diaconal ministry, the following characteristics are looked for and fostered during inquiry:
    • prayerful desire to grow in the spiritual life
    • demonstrated ability to work with and to serve the needs of others
    • healthy self esteem
    • responsibility
    • capacity for initiative
    • potential for pastoral leadership
    • intelligence and capacity for study
    • respect for authority and commitment to the Church
    • a balanced understanding of the priorities of marriage and family, secular occupation, and ministry
    • a sense of God’s call to serve the Church in the role of dea

  • Any questions pertaining to the Diaconate, please email your inquiry to Deacon Tim: tchriswell@buffalodiocese.org