Diaconate Formation Program
The Diocese of Phoenix’s Diaconate Formation Program supports men discerning a permanent deacon vocation through a prayerful, transformative journey. Rooted in Scripture and tradition, the
The Diocese of Phoenix’s Diaconate Formation Program supports men discerning a permanent deacon vocation through a prayerful, transformative journey. Rooted in Scripture and tradition, the
The Diocese of Phoenix equips ordained deacons with tools for ongoing formation, ministry, and spiritual growth, including liturgical guides, continuing education, and community events to serve with wisdom and grace.
The Diocese of Phoenix forms permanent deacons through four stages: Inquirer, Applicant, Aspirant, and Candidate. This five-year journey, guided by the Office of the Diaconate, prepares men to serve with faith, charity, and humility.
Discernment of any vocation is often a long, multi-faceted process. It starts on your knees. If, through prayer, it seems as though God could be calling you to serve Him as a Permanent Deacon, you’ve come to the right place to find out more information and learn what to do next as you open your heart to God’s calling.
“…deacons must be respectable men whose word can be trusted, moderate in the amount of wine they drink and with no squalid greed for money. They must be conscientious believers in the mystery of faith. They are to be examined first, and only admitted to serve as deacons if there is nothing against them…” (1 Tim 3:8-12)
In the first generation of the Church, the Holy Spirit led the Apostles to select seven men as “deacons” to assist the bishops, and to assume responsibility of the more secular and temporal duties.
Rooted in Scripture and tradition, the deacon’s role is one of selfless love—caring for the marginalized, assisting in worship, and preaching God’s Word. At Diocese of Phoenix, our deacons bring Christ’s compassion to life. Learn more about their journey and mission.
A vibrant ministry of compassion—assisting at the altar, preaching God’s word, and extending a helping hand to the poor and forgotten.