Permanent Diaconate

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I am at a loss on what to do. I have left a couple of messages with the pastor of our parish but I havent recieved a return call. I’ve emailed him and his associate priest, neither has returned a response.
I know that the priest our really busy and someone like me comes along and really isnt a pressing issue. My issue gets put on the back burner and I am fine with that. My question is, how long should I wait to try again? I don’t want to push and make myself out to be some kind of crazy person.
 
Good news! I had a short meeting with my pastor today. He was really excited that my calling was to the permanent diaconate. He wants me to meet with him tomorrow and sit down and talk with him and another deacon. I am so excited and I have to admit, really nervous too.

I know I am being called for something. It seems like the diaconate has been the itched that I haven’t been able to scratch for quite a long time, until now anyway. I just want to do Gods will. I am going to see where this takes me. If it is to be a deacon then I will do that with all my heart.
 
I am considering it. I still have a few years to pray about it before I am eligible.
 
Don_W said:
Good news! I had a short meeting with my pastor today. He was really excited that my calling was to the permanent diaconate. He wants me to meet with him tomorrow and sit down and talk with him and another deacon. I am so excited and I have to admit, really nervous too.

I know I am being called for something. It seems like the diaconate has been the itched that I haven’t been able to scratch for quite a long time, until now anyway. I just want to do Gods will. I am going to see where this takes me. If it is to be a deacon then I will do that with all my heart.
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Great news Don!
 
I think its a great calling. It is a lot of work - the person I’m close with that was involved in the program (and ordained) went to school for 4-5 years, twice a week in the evenings in addition to his full time job. It does take ALOT of time away from family because not only are you in school, but you’re taking college-level courses and have to put in the time to stay afloat in those classes as well. I would think with small children this would be really hard on the wife… in the case I’m speaking of the kids were all in school - youngest maybe 3rd or 4th grade so that made it easier.
 
SaintRita said:
I think its a great calling. It is a lot of work - the person I’m close with that was involved in the program (and ordained) went to school for 4-5 years, twice a week in the evenings in addition to his full time job. It does take ALOT of time away from family because not only are you in school, but you’re taking college-level courses and have to put in the time to stay afloat in those classes as well. I would think with small children this would be really hard on the wife… in the case I’m speaking of the kids were all in school - youngest maybe 3rd or 4th grade so that made it easier.
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That would be a tough situation. Twenty plus years ago when the itch of becoming a deacon first started on me, my priest I was talking with said pretty much what you just said. It would be too much on a young mother with a little one. Through prayer and discussion with my wife, we decided that I should wait. The individual that you are talking about really had a great wife and a strong calling to go that route.

Both my children are grown now, one has a family of his own now. The call to the diaconate is really strong for me now. I had a great talk with my pastor and he is excited that I came to him and have the call. I am waiting for the information to come from the seminary now, which includes the application to enter the seminary. I am so excited. I can’t wait to get started! 👍
 
SaintRita said:
I think its a great calling. It is a lot of work - the person I’m close with that was involved in the program (and ordained) went to school for 4-5 years, twice a week in the evenings in addition to his full time job. It does take ALOT of time away from family because not only are you in school, but you’re taking college-level courses and have to put in the time to stay afloat in those classes as well. I would think with small children this would be really hard on the wife… in the case I’m speaking of the kids were all in school - youngest maybe 3rd or 4th grade so that made it easier.
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In our diocese we go once a month from Sept - May and have a summer practicum. It does take much time, prayer and work, but we are preparing to be ordained to minister to the people of God on the lowest rung on the ordination ladder, so to speak. And always remember, the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the servant of all - not just in name but in fact.
 
Don_W said:
Good news! I had a short meeting with my pastor today. He was really excited that my calling was to the permanent diaconate. He wants me to meet with him tomorrow and sit down and talk with him and another deacon. I am so excited and I have to admit, really nervous too.

I know I am being called for something. It seems like the diaconate has been the itched that I haven’t been able to scratch for quite a long time, until now anyway. I just want to do Gods will. I am going to see where this takes me. If it is to be a deacon then I will do that with all my heart.
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That’s wonderful, Don. God bless you.
 
EmergencyOps said:
I am considering it. I still have a few years to pray about it before I am eligible.
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Take your time and do it right. In the “worst” case (in terms of the deaconate), you are being called to something else. When I was considering it (we are 2 of 4 years through the program), I went on a personal retreat for 3 days to pray and commune with God.
 
SaintRita said:
I think its a great calling. It is a lot of work - the person I’m close with that was involved in the program (and ordained) went to school for 4-5 years, twice a week in the evenings in addition to his full time job. It does take ALOT of time away from family because not only are you in school, but you’re taking college-level courses and have to put in the time to stay afloat in those classes as well. I would think with small children this would be really hard on the wife… in the case I’m speaking of the kids were all in school - youngest maybe 3rd or 4th grade so that made it easier.
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with little ones it is a challenge but my husband isn’t the only candidate in his class with young non-school age children. In his class of 21 there are five of them (my husband included) who fall in this category. It is not impossible nor does it take tons of time away from the marriage or family life. We need deacons of all types. I’m pleased that our diocese sees that and supports all men who are called, even the fathers of little ones
 
I have been discerning the call to the permanant Diaconate for some time now as well. I have spoken to my Pastor and our current Deacon as well as to a man in our church who is currently in the program and God willing will be ordained in 2015. They are all very supportive of me. However in talking with two young priests, they both recommend that I wait until my kids (10,10 and 6) are older. I am confused and have been praying about it for some time. I have appreciated reading all the comments in the thread.
 
I find myself in largely the same place, as my kids are 12 and a half and almost 10. Two of our priests in residence (neither is of my archdiocese) think I would be an asset as a deacon but I have yet to speak to the pastor who does not return for a month. There are a number of requirements and things I must get in order since I am a convert; i.e., matters of canon law. I wish you well.

Shalom
 
In my discernment so far, the pastor and deacon have both told me that as a deacon your family and your job come first, then your ministry. They have really been stressing that point.

About 23 years ago I was looking into becoming a deacon. The priest said that my family should be first… My son was only 3 at the time and we were planning on having other children. He said that my ministry was to raise my family first. At that point in my life, he was right.

Keep the faith my friends and remember God’s Will will lead you in the right direction.🙂
 
Keep an open mind about it.

If I was to discern to the diaconate it would be difficult staying where I live,

because at my parish we have 3 deacons pastor priest, and 2 retired priests

So it’d be unlikely for me to stay at home, especially since you have to go where the bishop tells you.
 
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