: Diaconate - Becoming a Deacon :
Who is called to be a Deacon?
- The Diaconate is not a casual or temporary commitment but a call from God to a permanent vocation and way of life. This call must be carefully discerned by the Deacon together with his Family, Bishop, Pastor and Parish Community.
- Deacons are men of mature faith and life experience who are at least 35 years old.
- They are actively involved in some form of lay ministry and in a parish community where their leadership is accepted and respected.
- They have stable and secure family and work situations. Wives must consent to their husband's call to diaconal ministry.
How Does One Become A Deacon?
- The prerequisite for entrance into the deacon's Formation Program is completion of the Nathanael Program; a three-year formation program for lay ministry, or equivalence.
- The Deacon's Formation Program is two years in length and is aimed specifically at preparation for diaconal ministry.
- Wives are encouraged to participate in all stages of the deacon's formation.
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