What are the various stages of Diaconate Formation?

The process by which people are ready for ordained ministry as deacons in the Christian tradition, especially in the Catholic Church, is known as diaconate formation. The phases of diaconate development involve spiritual, theological, pastoral, and practical components to give a complete and all-encompassing preparation. While dioceses may have different characteristics, diaconate preparation typically goes through many standard stages.

• Aspirancy or Discernment (Duration Vary): People declare their desire to become diaconates in the first phase. During this time, applicants discern their vocation while the Church evaluates whether they are qualified for diaconal ministry. Aspirants can participate in discernment retreats, receive spiritual guidance, and have preliminary interviews with formation directors.
• Pre-Inquiry or Pre-Candidacy (1–2 Years): Aspirants begin the pre-candidacy phase after completing the first discernment process and reaffirming their intention to seek the diaconate program.

Candidates gain a deeper comprehension of theology, the Catholic faith, and Church doctrines during this time. They might participate in regular workshops, courses, and activities for spiritual growth. Candidates can strengthen their commitment at this step, preparing them for the more formal stages of formation.

• Candidacy: Permanent diaconate formation program’s development third and fourth years are more formal and organized. Currently referred to as candidates for holy orders, candidates get more in-depth pastoral and theological training.

Studies in philosophy, theology, scripture, liturgy, and pastoral ministry are commonly included in this phase. Candidates may also participate in supervised rural missions to have practical experience in helping the community. Continuous spiritual guidance and frequent assessments aid candidates in discerning their calling and advance their development during the candidacy.

• Institutional Seminary Education (Varies): Candidates who have not already earned a degree in theology or a closely related discipline may be obliged by certain dioceses to seek institutional seminary education. A Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB) or its equivalent is frequently included in this program, which offers a robust intellectual basis for diaconal ministry. Depending on the candidate’s education, this level may take a different amount of time.
• Spiritual Training and Retreats (Throughout): Constant spiritual development is essential to the movement of deacons. Candidates engage in frequent spiritual direction, retreats, and prayer sessions to strengthen their bond with God and build the spiritual basis required for service. Candidates can better combine their personal development and academic learning with spiritual formation.
• Pastoral Formation and Internship (Varies): Practical experience in ministry contexts is a requirement for the religious formation component. Candidates may work under the supervision of a mentor or supervisor in parishes, prisons, hospitals, or other pastoral settings. This hands-on training is essential for fusing academic understanding with actual rural issues. Although the internship duration varies, it usually plays a significant role in the creation process.
• Final examination and Discernment (Varies): Candidates go through a final examination and discernment process as their formation ends. Pastoral supervisors, spiritual directors, and formation directors must conduct thorough evaluations for this.

To assess the candidate’s preparedness for ordination, interviews are also part of the process. Using this discernment, applicants may be convinced they have fulfilled the requirements for diaconal ministry and are ready for the duties.

• Ordination to the Diaconate: Candidates are ordained to the diaconate in a liturgical rite after completing the formation process and the Church authorities’ discernment. With this ordination, the candidate receives the sacrament of Holy Orders and officially begins their deacon ministry.

The dynamic and complex process of diaconate program development aims to prepare people for service in the Church. The phases are designed with care to cover pastoral, intellectual, spiritual, and practical aspects, ensuring that deacons are prepared to serve the many needs of the Church.

ST. Bernard’s permanent diaconate formation program has a deep-rooted history dating back to 1969. In alignment with the vision set forth by the Second Vatican Council, Venerable Bishop Fulton J. Sheen ordained the inaugural permanent deacon in the United States, Deacon Michael Cole.

The initial group of permanent deacons received ordination on April 17, 1982. From Bishop Sheen’s era to the present, St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry has been where the Diocese of Rochester shapes and prepares its permanent deacons.