General Criteria to enter Diaconal Formation

The applicant for the Diaconate in the Diocese of Phoenix should be a man who:

1. Is committed to and lives out Gospel values of justice, charity and service.
2. Has shown leadership qualities in parish/diocesan ministry for the past five years.
3. Has a prayerful disposition.
4. If married, is in a stable and happy marriage (minimum of 5 years married sacramentally) and his wife and children support him pursing the diaconate.
5. If not married, is willing to commit to celibacy.
6. Situations of divorce/annulment will require special approval; in general, no more than one divorce/annulment and no children from the first marriage.
7. If a convert to the faith; baptism or profession must have been made more than 5 years prior to application.
8. Is living within the geographical boundaries of the Diocese of Phoenix as a permanent resident of the United States.
9. Has been accepted into Kino Adult Faith Formation/Parish Leadership program before application to diaconal formation is accepted or has previously graduated from Kino.
10. Is capable of college level work in theological studies and is open to spiritual and ministerial formation. Has at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
11. Can successfully pass a thorough criminal and financial background check.
12. Is no younger than 30 and no older than 55 years to enter the process.
13. Is capable of giving serious attention and time to theological study, spiritual formation, and ministry.
14. Has a stable work history (2 years min.).
15. Has a positive attitude towards the Church and is flexible in adapting to the future needs of the Church.
16. Is formally presented for the diaconate by his pastor who will see that he is mentored during the 5 years of formation.
17. Must be physically and psychologically healthy.
18. Should demonstrate grateful fidelity to all that the Church teaches.
19. Be willing to learn how to read Spanish out loud well enough to serve effectively in a Spanish Mass and to engage in elementary Spanish conversation.

Those men whose first language is not English will have to demonstrate minimal proficiency in English.    It is expected that applicants have been actively involved in the Church’s apostolate in their parish and/or Catholic apostolate  for at least five years (two years in their current parish).  This may include programs of educational ministry, liturgical ministry, parish council, social ministry and so forth.  Social ministries include serving the poor, the hungry, the sick, the homeless, the handicapped, the elderly, the imprisoned, those threatened by the culture of death (life issues),  and the otherwise marginalized in society.