Part-time Deacon

[Deacon_Joseph]

Can anyone give me some detailed info about Deacons in the Catholic Church? I was trying to find out what types of programs you can take. I know of the Deacon formation program. Is that only a full time endeavor? I work full time with a difficult schedule and wondered if there was part-time schooling for this. Is their grant money available for this? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[malcolm_davies]

I suggest you start with the US bishops site on the diaconate:

nccbuscc.org/deacon/

1. 
   *]How do I find out more about becoming a Deacon?
   
   The best place to start is with your pastor, who can put you in touch with the Director of Deacons for your diocese. The Director will be able to outline the various requirements and processes to be followed. You may also feel free to contact Deacon Bill Ditewig, Executive Director of the Secretariat for the Diaconate at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He may be reached at 202-541-3038 or wditewig@usccb.org.
   *]Email us at diaconate@usccb.org
   Committee on the Diaconate | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-3038 © USCCB. All rights reserved.

 

[puzzleannie]

contact your diocesan vocations office
the diaconate formation has to be the one approved by the diocese in which you will work
you may be able to work on pre-requisites (undergrad degree or whatever they are) on your own schedule but you will have to conform to whatever program they have.
the diaconate is an intensive commitment, and the formation reflects that reality.

If you have other priorities in your life right now, the diaconate is probably not for you at this time, but you should get personal guidance from a spiritual director in that discernment. Bear in mind that if ordained you will have at least a part-time “job” somewhere in the diocese, with or without pay, usually at least a stipend, that may be at least as demanding as your day job.

You must also have a recommendation from your pastor, and have the understanding that you may not work in your own parish, but where the bishop assigns you. Your wife must also go through an orientation so she can give her full free informed consent. If you are not yet married, you may not marry after your deacon ordination.

In this diocese the formation program has just started up again after a 10 yr hiatus, and I believe candidates are expected to already have the degree or whatever prerequisites there are. the actual 3 yr formation classes (3 nights a week, I think, with some weekend gatherings) does cost something but in the case of real need the parish or diocese probably helps with that in some way.