Continuing Formation and Post-Ordination Formation
The permanent deacon’s primary vocation to holiness, to be realized in his specific state and mission, demands that he be open to and actively engaged in both spiritual and educational programs designed to further his continued formation and effectiveness.
This commitment relies not only upon a permanent deacon’s willingness to continue his growth, but also to demonstrate it through personal accountability. It is a commitment based upon self-motivation and self-direction, which enhances each permanent deacon’s ministry to the community to which he is called to serve. It is through study, reading, and especially prayer that deacons deepen their own Catholic faith, enrich their ministry, and encourage others by their example to grow in their discipleship of Jesus.
The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States requires 5-years of Post-Ordination Formation. A minimum of 12 hours of Post-Ordination Formation is required for each of those five years. These classes will further the Deacon in the four general dimensions identified above. The Diaconate Office will offer Four three-hour classes each year, if the Deacon is unable to attend the designated class they can work with the Coordinator of Post-Ordination and Continuing Formation to substitute a class or course of study to replace the designated class.
The scope and nature of instruction should encompass the four (4) general dimensions of a deacon’s ministry: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. The continuous updating of these dimensions is necessary in order to maintain the deacon’s ability to properly minister to the people of God in both Sacrament and charity. The application is to both present and future ministry (Directory 245-249).
Request a Letter of Good Standing
If you are visiting another diocese to baptize an infant, witness a marriage, preside at a wedding, or just on a vacation some place where you would like to assist at a Mass or otherwise exercise your diaconal functions, you will need a Certificate of Good Standing from the Office of the Diaconate.
The Certificate of Good Standing will be mailed and e-mailed to you and to the pastor and diocese where you are visiting. Please give us at least FOUR WEEKS notice. We are required to provide some detailed information to the diocese you are visiting.
Provide the following information, click on the “Request a Letter” Button and your request will be sent to:
Argelia Cortez, Diaconate Program Administrator
acortez@dphx.org
Diaconate Office Telephone (602) 354-2013
Diaconate Program Office – Diocesan Pastoral Center
400 East Monroe Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Josephinum Distance Learning Program for the Diaconate
Since 1888, the Josephinum has continued the vision of its founder, Msgr. Joseph Jessing, by preparing clergy for the new evangelization and to serve the pastoral needs of the Church. In fidelity to that vision, the Josephinum now provides educational resources through distance-learning and other technology-based media, delivering continuing education programs to priests and deacons throughout North America.
The Institute of Catholic Theology
The Institute was established to further enhance the intellectual formation of adult Catholics in the Diocese of Phoenix. The Institute offers classes in Catholic theology on a broad range of topics and is geared toward theological education at the undergraduate level. All adults are invited to attend, most especially, catechists, youth ministers, and Catholic school teachers.
Kino Catechetical Institute
Kino Catechetical Institute, a department of the Division of Education and Evangelization, Diocese of Phoenix, provides foundational formation in Catholic doctrine, strengthening the laity to respond to the call of Christ to discipleship in the Spirit of the New Evangelization. Kino Institute fulfills this mission through:
- Providing catechetical formation.
- Deepening the human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation for service.
- Embracing, celebrating and serving cultural diversity for effective proclamation of the Gospel.
- Forming participants to bear prophetic witness to our faith through lives of fidelity, charity, justice and stewardship.
Directory of Policies and Procedures for Deacons
With Change Pages thru September 2010. Revised & approved by Bishop Olmsted Sept 2010
This Directory applies to all deacons (and deacon candidates) actively engaged in ministry in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. Regarding policies and procedures governing formation of deacon candidates see the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States (2004). For information relating to liturgical procedures within the Diocese of Phoenix, refer to its Liturgical Manual for Deacons.
Clergy Code of Ethics
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix is committed to fulfilling the Great Commission by helping the faithful encounter the living Christ through conversion, communion, and solidarity. Christ’s command still resounds today—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:19–20). As clergy, we share in Christ’s Great Commission in a privileged and profound way, bringing the grace of Christ to the faithful through our service and sacramental ministry.
As witnesses to and disciples of the Lord Jesus, we are called to the highest standards of ethical conduct, not only abiding by canonical norms, but aspiring to the height of virtue. The Clergy Code of Ethics provides guidelines that free us to serve the Lord and live out our vocation.
Liturgical Manual For Deacons
2014 REVISION
This liturgical guide for deacons was developed to be a practical tool for the preparation of deacon candidates and for the on-going formation of those already ordained to the diaconate. It is a teaching resource for candidates and deacons. It is also intended to be a reference for pastors who have deacons assigned to the parish and especially for priest celebrants who have deacons assisting them at Mass. The aspiration is this document will help unfold the beauty of the sacred liturgy, promote understanding, prayerfulness, reverence, and unity in the liturgical service of deacons.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal
You may feel free to download and reproduce these materials in any form which you find meets the needs of your diocese or parish, provided that the materials are not sold in any form. If you reproduce any of the materials as they are, you include the citation: 2002, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. If you have altered the materials, please include the citation: Based upon Roman Missal Formational Materials provided by the Secretariat for the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2002.
National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life or Permanent Deacons in the United States
This National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States is intended to serve the entire Catholic Church in the United States. Its principles, norms, and pastoral applications are directed specifically to the Latin Rite. Nonetheless, it may be of assistance as a consistent reference for all Churches sui iuris in the United States in the preparation of the adaptations necessary to address the particular traditions, pastoral life, and requirements of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
Funeral Planner for Deacons in the Diocese of Phoenix
When the time comes, we hope to celebrate your life according to your wishes. Planning ahead can be a great gift to family, alleviating last minute decisions and stress. Thank you for taking the time to complete and submit your funeral plans!