Master of Theology or Pursuit of Diaconate?

[CSSML]

Hello everyone!

I joined the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil of 2008 and served as a sponsor during the RCIA program, culminating in my friend’s confirmation at the Easter Vigil 2009. I had been discerning whether God was leading me to the Catholic Church since before my marriage in June of 2004. Coming from a Methodist background, I found the liturgical worship appealing, but I truly fell in love with the Holy Sacrament after several months of study and research into Catholic beliefs and theology.

I am still intrigued by the depth of the faith and continuously read and study various topics in order to gain a better understanding of the history and substance of the beliefs.

I am a patent attorney and work in a medium sized southern city. My wife and I are celebrating the birth of our first child on April 9. Despite my added responsibilities as a parent and provider, I feel called to something more. I have considered a possibility in politics and have, ever since my RCIA experience, considered studying Catholic theology formally. This would probably be in the form of a distance learning program such as that offered by Fransiscan University of Steubenville or Catholic Distance University. Since my confirmation, I have also kept the idea of the vocation of the diaconate in the back of my mind. My thought was that, one day later in life, I would discern whether to pursue the diaconate. My recent reflection has me wondering whether I should wait…

Some of the reasons I believe additional education would be helpful to my “ministry,” are the types of projects I am interested in serving or beginning. First, I would like to continue to serve as a sponsor for RCIA and/or contribute as a substantive member of the RCIA team in the future. Additional education would be invaluable as an aid to catechesis and apologetics. Second, I would like to study and write on various topics related to faith and morals. This may culminate in something informal such as a blog or may progress to more comprehensive works with the idea of formal publication. Third, and most importantly I think, is my passion for helping men who are struggling to lead a moral life, specifically with regard to sexual temptation. I envision a small group setting where men share their struggles and receive encouragement and guidance.

So, I am seeking some advice. Given my new parental responsibilities, and my ongoing prayer for a large family, should I entertain the possiblity of a vocation as a deacon? Should I simply pursue a distance theology degree from one of the above-mentioned or another program? If I choose this option, would such an MA degree in theology be beneficial if, down the road, I discern a call to the diaconate? That is, would the degree fulfill some or all of the education requirements for the diaconate?

I appreciate any insight you can offer me, and I plan to discuss these questions with one of the two parish deacons tonight after our RCIA meeting.

 

[adowcday]

This is a good question to take up with the director for the permanent diaconate in your diocese. Some smaller dioceses, or dioceses that have a population scattered over a large area, don’t have a formal training program for deacons and require candidates to obtain training on their own (e.g., an MA in Pastoral Theology). The Diocese of Portland, Maine is one example. Others will likely have you do the diaconate training or some part of it even if you have a degree or coursework. I was told by the director in San Diego that getting an MA in theology from the University of San Diego would indicate that I did NOT have a vocation to the diaconate! I suspect that this diocese was concerned about the orthodoxy of the theological education offered by a particular program.

Be aware that the formal diaconate training programs tend to be time-consuming and demanding, as they should be. As a patent attorney, you will probably have no problem with the studies, but you should discern whether this is the time of your life to add such a training program to your other work and family responsibilities. One part of the discernment for the permanent diaconate is your availability for the ministry. Those with small children are sometimes discouraged from embarking on the diaconate until their children are older, depending on the diocese.

Obviously, the Holy Spirit is at work in your life, leading you toward a deeper commitment to Christ and service to others. I trust that the one who inspires you will help you find the right path. God bless!

 

[plato3]

Discerning your call is very important. Our deacon program has a one year period where those who pass the application process pray and discern with their wives about this vocation. There is also a requirement that the candidates have 5 years of ministry experience serving the church. The call comes from God. There is also a type of call from your parish. I would urge you to find a good spiritual director to help you decide. Sounds like you are leaning toward theology studies. This would be a great help as you continue to minister at your parish and would be an asset should you eventually become a deacon candidate. God bless you and we are so lucky in our church to have so many converts that bring life to our ministries. I work with adults that are converts or have not had all of their sacraments. I am humbled by their interest in the faith and sad about so many craddle catholics that don’t realize what has been given to them!

Dcn. tony