Deacon ordination

Discerning the Vocation of Deacon

Office of the Diaconate

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When the Bishop starts a new Formation Cohort, you (and your wife, if married) will be invited to attend an Inquiry Meeting to learn more about the discernment process and formation program. If you still feel called, and meet the general criteria for deacon applicants, you can request a home interview before April 15th of each odd-numbered year. You will then be interviewed and given an application packet if you meet the criteria.  Applications are ordinarily issued and processed only between March 1 and July 31 of each odd numbered year. Submission of an application indicates your desire to enter the Spirituality Year which is a year of formal prayer and spiritual discernment.

A solid catechetical foundation is an integral part of diaconal formation. Completion of the combined Adult Faith Formation/Parish Leadership program offered by the Kino Institute of the Diocese of Phoenix is required prior to entering your third year of formation.. To be accepted into the diaconal formation program, you have to have been accepted into the Kino program as well. Alternatively, you are welcome to complete one or two years of Kino before applying to diaconal formation.

Steps in the application process

  1. Discuss your vocation with your family and friends
  2. Make an appointment with your pastor to discuss your vocation. When it is time to apply, he will need to write a letter to the Bishop endorsing you as a worthy applicant
  3. Contact the Diaconate Office to be placed on the mailing list by completing the Diaconate Inquiry Form 
  4. If you have not already taken one or both years of the  Adult Faith Formation and Parish Leadership program at Kino Institute, apply to enter this program as soon as you can.   
  5. Attend one of the Inquiry Nights offered by the Office of the Diaconate
  6. After attending an Inquiry Meeting, request a home interview before April 15th (odd years only).
  7. If you are given an application, complete and submit it within two months of receiving it and no later than July 31st.
  8. Once your application is accepted you will:
    • Join a Discernment Circle
    • Begin a Spirituality Year of prayer and reading
    • Attend mandatory formation classes (typically 1 meeting per month)
    • Begin the Practicum of Personal Prayer and Discernment
  9. The Spirituality Year is a time of prayer, personal reflection and discernment. During this year your application will be reviewed, and you will be encouraged to “test” your vocation.

If, at the end of the Spirituality Year you, your wife (if married), your Discernment Circle Mentor, your Pastor, and the Formation Team still sense that you are called to continue discerning, you will be invited to progress to Aspirancy, the second year for formation.