Diaconate Preparation Books/Classes

[domer2x]

I have been considering pursuing the diaconate and am wondering if anyone could recommend some online classes, podcasts or books? I attended a junior seminary in the Chicago area (Quigley South) in the 1970’s and have engineering and business degrees from the University of Notre Dame. Needless to say my catechesis is a bit lacking. Some basic theology or philosophy classes perhaps? Catholic Radio has played a big part in this. I’ve learned a lot about Church history on the “Catholic Under The Hood” podcasts on Fr. Roderick’s SQPN.com network. Are there other similar podcasts that might be good preparation? Thank you.

 

[Lapey]

I have been considering pursuing the diaconate and am wondering if anyone could recommend some online classes, podcasts or books? I attended a junior seminary in the Chicago area (Quigley South) in the 1970’s and have engineering and business degrees from the University of Notre Dame. Needless to say my catechesis is a bit lacking. Some basic theology or philosophy classes perhaps? Catholic Radio has played a big part in this. I’ve learned a lot about Church history on the “Catholic Under The Hood” podcasts on Fr. Roderick’s SQPN.com network. Are there other similar podcasts that might be good preparation? Thank you.

Your first step should be to check with your diocese to see if there is a permanent diaconate ministry in your diocese, not all have brought the ministry back. This is a decision left up to the ordinary, the Bishop. Either way that is the place to start. There should be a director of permanent deacons in your diocese that can give you what you need to know to get started. There are required studies and time for formation, doesn’t matter what formal or informal training your have had already, but previous education will always help.

I am in entering my last year of formation. It has been many many hours of work and study, bringing my family and me many many blessings already!

If you feel the call then you owe it to yourself and your family to check into it. It is part of the requirement for a “formal discernment” process happen, six months is the minimum I believe, so there will be ample time for you and your wife, together, to go to sessions that will give you incite as to the program requirements and the diaconate itself. There will also be exercises in marriage counseling such as Re-Focus so that you know exactly what you are getting into with consideration to your marriage as it relates to the requirements of the program.

Good luck & God bless you and yours!
Gary

 

[mountainman99]

Here’s some good reading on the diaconate:

usccb.org/deacon/DeaconDirectory.pdf

 

[plato3]

In our P.D. program, years of parish or other ministeries were required for admission. Including: working with sick, elderly, soup kitchens, ccd teaching, r.c.i.a, lector, emc etc. Where possible, start working in some of the various ministries and see if this is what you want.