Deacon Formation Process
“Deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace in a special way. The sacrament of Holy Orders marks them with an imprint (‘character’) which cannot be removed and which configures them to Christ, who made himself the ‘deacon’ or servant of all. Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.”
~ Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1570
The service of the deacon is the Church’s service sacramentalized. Yours is not just one ministry among others, but it is truly meant to be, as Pope Paul VI described it, a “driving force” for the Church’s diakonia. By your ordination you are configured to Christ in his servant role. You are also meant to be living signs of the servanthood of his Church.
~ Pope St. John Paul II, Detroit, September 19, 1987
When the Archbishop starts a new Formation Cohort, you (and your wife, if married) will be invited to attend Inquiry Meetings to learn more about the discernment process and formation program. Our next round of inquiry meetings will begin in the fall of 2026 and will be held at various parishes throughout the Archdiocese. Interested candidates will attend all the meetings. You will receive information about the diaconate, the formation program, and the application process.
Steps in the discernment process
- Discuss your vocation with your wife if married and your family
- Make an appointment with your pastor to discuss your vocation. During inquiry, he will need to complete an evaluation for the Archbishop endorsing you as a worthy applicant
- Contact the Diaconate Office if you have questions or would like to discuss your personal situation or discernment
- Attend the Inquiry gatherings during the Inquiry year
- Perhaps consider talking with a Spiritual Director about your discernment (please note that if you are accepted into the formation process you will be required to have a spiritual director that is a priest)
How will I be Formed?
According to the norms of the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, there are four interrelated dimensions in formation that are necessary to promote development of the whole person; these are essential and integral to the formation of candidates for the permanent diaconate:
HUMAN FORMATION: Relationships make up the foundation of ministry. Contact with individuals in every sphere of society is fundamental to diaconal service. Skills to relate, communicate, and the ability to share with ease are necessary to aid men in their call to care for their brothers and sisters. Candidates need to be sensitive to the needs of the various members of the local Church to aid them in their desire to promote peace and justice. It is therefore necessary that prospective candidates “cultivate a series of human qualities, not only out of proper and due growth and realization of self, but also with a view to the ministry." Thus, the overall goal of human formation is to assist the aspirant / candidate in growing as a human being.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION: A life centered on a sincere and personal love of Christ is essential for any aspirant to the permanent diaconate since Christ is the exemplar of one who lived a fully human and holy life. Any man interested in the permanent diaconate should demonstrate an active, mature spirituality in imitation of Jesus’ compassionate love. Because the deacon is configured in a sacramental way to Jesus, frequent contact with Christ made manifest in the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist, is paramount. Devotion to and use of the Sacred Scriptures in prayer and reflection are also essential in this desire to imitate the Servant of servants. A strong spiritual life and a commitment to service in light of the Gospel are thus necessary.
Thus, the overall goal of spiritual formation is to assist in deepening a candidates’ prayer life with special emphasis on the Eucharist and the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours; to assist him in cultivating a sense of commitment to God’s word; and to assist him in his desire to integrate his spirituality into the life of those he serves.
INTELLECTUAL FORMATION: Knowledge of the faith and the rich deposit of theology are crucial in initial formation and in the exercise of diaconal ministry. Candidates should demonstrate their desire and interest in intellectual pursuits and cultural analysis born from their pastoral context of service. To strengthen their foundations for ministry, candidates must first adequately understand the basis of doctrine and life to enable them to later communicate this truth in word, liturgy, and example.
Thus, the overall goal of intellectual formation is to encourage candidates to develop their gifts and talents that will be used in diaconal ministry through study and critical thinking. Candidates should demonstrate competence in the interpretation of Sacred Scripture, the study of the Fathers and a history of the Church, fundamental systematic theology (which includes Trinitarian theology, Christology, Ecclesiology, anthropology and Mariology), Christian morality, spiritual theology, liturgical practice, Canon law, ecumenism, and evangelization.
PASTORAL FORMATION: There are so many opportunities for evangelization and pastoral activity in works of leadership, works of service, and works of justice. “The whole formation. . . aims at preparing them to enter into communion with the charity of Christ. Hence their formation in its different aspects must have a fundamentally pastoral character." Thus, it is the responsibility of the formation program to provide candidates with an opportunity to develop ministerial awareness and effectiveness through a process of active engagement in ministry. Candidates thus become familiar with the facets of ministry and are encouraged to develop their own ministerial identity. Likewise, the overall goal of pastoral formation is to strengthen and enhance the exercise of the prophetic, priestly, and leadership functions by providing concrete and appropriate opportunities to demonstrate these pastoral skills in a parish or community setting.
Inquiry Year – Time of Discernment to begin Fall of 2026
September – The Diaconate as Vocation/Qualifications/Process
October – The Diaconate in Archdiocese of Indianapolis /Discernment
November – Uniqueness of vocation, family and ministry
December – Intellectual and Pastoral Dimensions
January – Interview Process
February – Human and Spiritual Dimensions
March – Process Going Forward / Panel Discussion
April – No Gathering
May – Gathering of Those Chosen for the sixth cohort and their Wives
Requirements for Acceptance into Aspirancy
- Recommended by his current pastor.
- Between the ages of 30 and 60 at the time of entrance to the Aspriancy stage, the year following the inquiry period.
- High school graduate or GED (College degree preferred)
- Registered member of a parish within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in which he is actively involved in the sacramental life and ministry of the parish. Also, lives within the boundaries of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
- If married, is in a sacramental marriage for at least five years and has the full support of his spouse. If a single person is currently living a celibate life and is informed that he will continue to live the celibate life following ordination.
- If a convert, a practicing Roman Catholic for at least five years.
- Free of canonical irregularities and impediments
- A U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident with a permanent residency card.
- Able to participate in a demanding five-year process of formation requiring a significant investment of time and academic aptitude.
Formation Process
Aspirant Formation Years – Initial formation
Aspirant Year 1
Introduction to Discernment
Introduction to Theological Reflection
Introduction to Spiritual Direction
Pastoral Identity, Skills, and Boundaries
Prayer and Sacramental Preparation
Evangelization and Ecumenism
Research and Writing in Formation
Introduction to Philosophy I & II
Aspirant Year 2
Intro to Scripture
Church History
Spirituality
Old Testament
Fundamental Theology
Ministry of the Deacon
Candidacy Year 1
Synoptic Gospels and Acts
The Epistles
Johannine Literature
Sacraments
Pastoral Care and Counseling
Intro to Liturgy
Candidacy Year Two
Christology and Mariology
Ecclesiology
Evangelization and Catechetics
Eucharist
Liturgical Practicum I
Liturgical Practicum II
Intro to Homiletics
Candidacy Year Three
Homiletics Week
American Church History
Moral Theology I
Canon Law
Moral Theology II
Trinity and Salvation
Comprehensive and Integrative Seminar