Training for Permanent Deacons?

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I listened with interest online to the Catholic Answers radio segment on the permanent deaconate. I know that a college education is required, but is there a particular set of theology courses that are required? If so, do the deacons have to pay for their own training?
 
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pittsburghjeff:
I listened with interest online to the Catholic Answers radio segment on the permanent deaconate. I know that a college education is required, but is there a particular set of theology courses that are required? If so, do the deacons have to pay for their own training?
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Actually I don’t think a college degree is required. You can read the Vatican document in regards to what they specify for the formation of permanent deacons vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_31031998_directorium-diaconi_en.html

Also go talk to your priest, or your diocese vocation director, they can set you up with the right people to talk tol.

You will have classes over about 6 years time, but they are part time, usually 1 or 2 nights a week.

But like I said, go talk to your priest.
 
Many dioceses are moving the formation program to reflect the difficultyof a graduate level certificate or degree. Many bishops will pay for courses and only require candidtaes to buy the books.

God Bless
 
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pittsburghjeff:
I listened with interest online to the Catholic Answers radio segment on the permanent deaconate. I know that a college education is required, but is there a particular set of theology courses that are required? If so, do the deacons have to pay for their own training?
Click to expand...
In the diocese here no college education is required. Formation is two years of a “Lay Ministry” training course that is one day a month. Then four years of training Two Saturdays a month except for December and the summer. About 18 Saturday’s a year for four years.
 
The programs vary according to diocese. In our diocese it was not college, but ministry experience that was required. Many candidates had 10+ years of service to the church. Our ministry formation was 3 years (OT,NT,Church History, Psychology, Christology, Leadership, Etc.) After this we were interviewed and background checked. Then 6 months of discernment. After this, there was 3 years of formation with advanced classes of most of the above topics plus homilitics. After this another background and all were fingerprinted. After this there was a 6 month internship at your local parish with your pastor commenting on your fitness. This was a total of 7 years. They are looking for serious commitment.

May God bless you.
Deacon Tony
 
I’m in my second year of the Diaconate program in Detroit.

Here in Detroit, a Bachelors in not a requirement, but very helpful, as the program has a lot of pre-req’s that are usually handled by an undergrad degree. (I’m kinda SOL anyway because my Engineering degree was somewhat lacking in Philosophy, Psychology and Rhetoric 😉 )

Here is the program I am in

Link Here

There is also a Master’s level program, but I’ve got 4 small kids at home, so I didn’t really want the extra coursework.

The Archdiocese pays for all the classes, and traditionally (at least here) your parish picks up the cost of books and retreats.

Our first year consists of taking classes while your official application is in process ( which is extensive). It also includes criminal background checks, and psych exams for yourself and your wife.

The application is reviewed in early summer and an applicant is either accepted or rejected.

The second year is called the Aspirancy year. It is a year of discernment. After one completes the Aspirancy, and academically earns the Parish Ministry certificate, the Rite of Candidacy is conducted and the Aspirant becomes a Candidate.

Then is 3 years of classes, practica and service internships.
One is Installed as Reader and then Acolyte during these years.

Finally Ordination.

During all this time ( Aspirancy onward) we have regular Formation days ( one Saturday each month) and 2 Retreats, one with wives, and one without.
 
The Diocese of Pittsburg does not mention the diaconate in it’s web site. You may have to check surrounding areas for a program.

God bless,
Deacon Tony
 
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