Diaconal Formation Program
A path of service, formation, and faithful ministry in the Church.
The diaconate is a distinct vocation of ordained service in the life of the Church. Deacons assist in worship, support pastoral life, proclaim the Gospel, and serve the faithful in practical and spiritual ways.
This program is for men who are discerning a call to ordained service and want to deepen their spiritual life, theological formation, and readiness to serve the Church more fully.
What Is the Diaconate?
A Distinct Vocation of Service
The diaconate is not the same as priesthood, though both belong to ordained ministry in the Church. A deacon is called in a particular way to serve through prayer, proclamation, charity, and pastoral assistance.
The vocation of a deacon reflects Christ’s example of service. In the life of the Church, the deacon assists in liturgical worship, proclaims the Gospel, supports the work of the parish and the Eparchy, and helps respond to the needs of the faithful.
This vocation is lived in humility, faithfulness, and practical love. A deacon serves both in worship and in everyday parish life through proclamation, pastoral care, catechesis, and concrete care for others.
Who May Be Called to This Path
For Those Drawn to Ordained Service
The diaconate may be a path for men who feel called to serve the Church in a stable and committed way through ordained ministry, while living out that calling in the circumstances of their own lives and responsibilities.
Some may feel drawn by a desire to serve more deeply in parish life. Others may be moved by a love for liturgical worship, pastoral care, or the Church’s charitable mission. Discernment begins by noticing these desires, praying with them, and seeking guidance.
Program Overview
Formation for Diaconal Ministry
The Diaconal Formation Program helps discerners prepare responsibly and prayerfully for this vocation. Inspired by Bishop David’s vision for active discipleship and stronger parish life, it is meant to form men who can serve the Church with spiritual depth, theological grounding, and pastoral readiness.
The program is meant to form not only knowledge, but also character, faithfulness, and a deeper capacity for service.
Formation includes several connected parts that prepare a person for ordained service in the Church:
Spiritual Formation
deeper prayer, liturgical life, and openness to God’s will
Theological Formation
study in partnership with Newman Theological College, including Eastern Christian theology and foundations for ministry
Pastoral Formation
practical growth in parish service, catechesis, pastoral care, and ministries of charity
Ongoing Discernment
continued discernment with the support of the Church
Schedule and Study Rhythm
part-time study designed to be accessible for adult learners, with flexible online and on-campus options through Newman
This formation should be entered with seriousness, patience, humility, and trust in God’s timing.
Application and Parish Support
A Discernment Path Lived With the Parish
The application process is not meant to be undertaken alone. Parish involvement is an important part of discernment, support, and preparation.
Those interested in the program should begin by speaking with their pastor and reflecting on how their gifts may best serve the Church. Parish support is part of this path and helps ensure that discernment happens within the life of the Church, not in isolation.
Diaconal formation is not only about personal interest. It is about a vocation recognized, supported, and nurtured within the life of the Church.