ASK A PRIEST

Should I consider becoming a deacon?

FALL 2018

YES, IF YOU ARE PREPARED TO DEDICATE YOURSELF to a ministry of service. We seek men whose hearts are filled with the desire to follow the example of Jesus in bending to wash the feet of their brothers and sisters. The virtues of humility and compassion are essential. Indeed, the deacon has a liturgical role, but his real ministry is charity: to be in the world in service to the people wherever they may be – in hospitals, in nursing homes, in the community.

Becoming a deacon is a five-year process, starting with an inquiry period: a year of discernment, learning about spirituality and getting accustomed to the Liturgy of the Hours (the prayers that mark the hours of each day – readings, morning prayer, daytime prayer, evening prayer, night prayer). Inquirers meet twice a month. They make a day of recollection and are invited (with their wives, if they are married) to a three-day retreat.

At the end of the inquiry period, if they are accepted into the program, the men commit to four years of academic, spiritual, human and pastoral formation. The academic dimension may lead to a master’s degree in theology; those who do not have an undergraduate degree are required to take the graduate courses on an audit basis. In addition, the men engage in pastoral work: one year ministering to the poor, one in religious education, one in a hospital or nursing home ministry, and one in palliative care, learning to minister to those who are near the end of life.

Generally, the men in formation are working full-time in addition to studying and performing service. Upon ordination, the reward of formation is the opportunity to minister in charity, growing ever closer to God while serving as a bridge between the sanctuary and the people of the Church. Although none of us is truly worthy of ordination, it is a great honor to minister as a deacon.