Very good question. I don’t think there is an easy answer. If most dioceses are like mine, there is a very extensive medical and mental exam of each candidate. The doctors then make a written evaluation which is reviewed by the deacon director and sometimes even the bishop himself. My guess is that the deacon program relies very much on the opinions of these professionals.
I have worked with bipolar people in my ministry to the mentally and emotionally disturbed.This is a special cross for many.
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