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Deacon2006
Guest
I would be very interested in hearing from other deacons in formation. What is program like? any real struggles? and major Epiphanies?
God Bless
God Bless
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deaconswife
Guest
My husband is a deacon in the Diocese of Wilmington. The program was a four year program. The first year was a discernment year. During that year we met once a month and had a presentation on various topics and time for sharing on those topics. During this year and all four years both the husband and wife had a spiriual director to help with the discernment. After that year, there were three years of classes on Scripture, liturgy, sacraments, etc. During the third year of the program everyone in the program chose a diocesan ministry that they were interested in. My husband chose campus ministry and we have been involved in this ministry for six years. The hardest part was taking college level courses after so many years out of the college routine (my husband has a Ph.D. in chemistry so it was not the course material, just getting back in the reading an studying habit). The hardest part for myself was that many of the wives chose not to go to the classes and so often I was the only one there. I was hoping to develop some new friendships with like minded women as we recently moved here from another state. The biggest epiphany that my husband had occured during one of the early formation sessions. We were asked to think about what charism we each had for the service of the church. He had a really hard time coming up with something - he joked that he shows up and does whatever he is asked to do. It was crystal clear to me that his charism is faithfulness - just like the saint he was named after - Joseph. That insight has helped him understand himself and helped power the ministry that he does. I hope that his is somewhat helpful for you and all the best in your studies. We will keep you in our prayers.
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Deacon_Tony560
Guest
I was hoping that you would hear from more deacons. Guess they are all studying!
Jesus came to serve, not to be served.
Jesus came to serve, not to be served.
B
Brendan
Guest
I just got officially accepted into the program for the Archdiocese of Detroit. I did a year of classes at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, good classes, nothing ‘earth-shatteringly’ new.
We’ve got an orientation on Aug 7 and a weekend retreat on Aug 21-22 (don’t know if I can make that, my wife’s grandparents are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in Halifax, NS and there’s a big family gathering then).
The first year was the application year, I filled out the various applications, FBI check, psych exam, that kind of thing. I also took classes.
here is the required classes.
The coursework required is outlined here:
Link Here
We also have ‘Formation Days’ on 1 Saturday each month. Mostly presentations on some aspect of our expected ministry.
Next will be the official discernment year. After that one is ordained as an Acolyte and Lector and becomes a ‘Candidate’. 2 years as a ‘Candidate’ then Ordination as a Deacon.
4 years total.
The real struggle has been babysitting. I’ve got small kids at home ( 6,4,1 1/2 and one due in Jan.). Most of the others in the program have grandkids in the same age range.
So if my wife wants to do anything with me, like attend classes or any of the Formation days, we need to get a baby sitter.
On the plus side, my pastor seems warm to having some of the Confirmation canidates do some of their service work babysitting for these events.
We’ve got an orientation on Aug 7 and a weekend retreat on Aug 21-22 (don’t know if I can make that, my wife’s grandparents are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in Halifax, NS and there’s a big family gathering then).
The first year was the application year, I filled out the various applications, FBI check, psych exam, that kind of thing. I also took classes.
here is the required classes.
The coursework required is outlined here:
Link Here
We also have ‘Formation Days’ on 1 Saturday each month. Mostly presentations on some aspect of our expected ministry.
Next will be the official discernment year. After that one is ordained as an Acolyte and Lector and becomes a ‘Candidate’. 2 years as a ‘Candidate’ then Ordination as a Deacon.
4 years total.
The real struggle has been babysitting. I’ve got small kids at home ( 6,4,1 1/2 and one due in Jan.). Most of the others in the program have grandkids in the same age range.
So if my wife wants to do anything with me, like attend classes or any of the Formation days, we need to get a baby sitter.
On the plus side, my pastor seems warm to having some of the Confirmation canidates do some of their service work babysitting for these events.
L
loyola_rambler
Guest
Brendan, have you ever mentioned the scheduling/babysitting conflict with your Vocations director? In every parish I’ve ever belonged to, we had a list of qualified babysitters available to help out in situations like yours. Since your wife really needs to go through formation with you, it would be only right for the Church to make sure she has a positive experience. Besides, you might not be the only one with the issue and you might make it better for everyone.
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