Deacon

[koolpc]

I would love to become a Deacon. Thing is, I only left school at 16 with rubbish exam results. Would this stop me from becoming a Deacon?

 

[YoungTradCath]

I don’t see why not. You should ask someone at your diocesan chancery, preferably someone in charge of deacon formation.

 

[Joannm]

Some diocese require you to have a college education and to earn an MA in theology as part of your formation. Others require only a HS education. The studies that you will be engaged in is heavy on the academics. I know some men, even with college, who dropped out of formation because they could not handle the reading and writing the papers. Your best bet would be to contact the vocations director in your diocese and see what the requirements are and what you can do to prepare yourself for the rigors of academic studies. Have you taken any adult faith formation courses? I would start taking some so you can have some background if you do get accepted into the programs.

 

[ChurchSoldier]

Not to sound too “pie in the sky”, but if God is calling you to that office a way will be provided. I know 2 men without Bachelor’s degree who got into a Master’s program and thrived. One a Master of Divinity. You will have to work hard, but it is doable.

It takes study, as it should if you will be speaking with the authority of the Church, but if God is calling you, do not let yourself become discourage. I would set up a meeting with a couple of Deacons and inquire of the process and gain wisdom from their knowledge of the system. Then the vocations director.

Good luck!

 

[koolpc]

I am 40+ now

I do feel as though i really want to do more in my diocese.

 

[poche]

You have to be able to take college level courses.

 

[The_Idiot]

Before you accept any advice from here , you would be better to contact your Diocese directly .

 

[koolpc]

Will do, thanks

 

[Godfollower]

I would love to become a Deacon. Thing is, I only left school at 16 with rubbish exam results. Would this stop me from becoming a Deacon?

I am 40+ now

I do feel as though i really want to do more in my diocese.

You’re 40+ and never finished high school. In ten years, would you rather be:

(A) 50+ and never finished high school; or
(B) 50+ and finished high school and went on to theology school?
If you are called to become a deacon but your diocese requires a high school diploma, go get your high school diploma and whatever other requirements you lack. Even if you later find out that the diaconate is not for you, you still will have gained a benefit. Education honestly sought is never wasted.

 

[amsjj]

koolpc, I wrote my original message with American links, especially the “National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States” – here’s the link to the PDF on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops web site:
www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/diaconate/upload/DeaconDirectory.pdf

but then I noticed your profile has you in Wales, so if you haven’t yet, I’d recommend reading the “Directory for the Formation of Permanent Deacons in England and Wales” on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference England and Wales:
catholic-ew.org.uk/Home/News-Releases/Benchmark/Permanent-Diaconate-Directory-2010/(language)/eng-GB

Also I found this interesting web site which “contains information about the permanent diaconate in general, the formation of permanent deacons, the Divine Office and resources for current students. This site is operated by Deacon Peter Rennie from the Archdiocese of Southwark and Deacon Mark Howe from the Archdiocese of Cardiff.” –
diaconate.org.uk/

Then if it’s still something you want to look into further, definitely contact your diocese!

take care,
amsjj

+++
Jesus, God and man,
imprisoned by love in Thy most holy Sacrament,
have mercy upon us.

• Blessed John Henry Newman, December 22, 1851

Tú y yo sabemos por la fe que oculto en las especies sacramentales está Cristo,
ese Cristo con su Cuerpo, con su Sangre, con su Alma, y con su Divinidad,
prisonero de amor.

• San Josemaría Escrivá, 1 junio 1974

… Our Lord Himself frequently said; and it is recorded as an Apostolic tradition from Hi
by St. Justin the Martyr. He says ‘Jesus often said, “They who are near Me are near a
fire”’.

• Abp. W. B. Ullathorne, August 1st 1886

 

[PJM]

=koolpc;10006993]I would love to become a Deacon. Thing is, I only left school at 16 with rubbish exam results. Would this stop me from becoming a Deacon?

Likely NOT! BUT,

This is someting that comes with many GRAVE responsibilities. You ought to talk toy your Pastor. Set up an appointment with him so he can give you the time this discussion ought to entail.

PRAY about it.

God Bless,
Pat /PJM