“[It] is not primarily our own decision…. Rather it is the response to a call and to a call of love.”
Pope Francis, Address to Seminarians and Novices, July 6, 2013
Diaconate formation in the Roman Catholic Church is based on the four dimensions of consecrated life: Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Pastoral:
- HUMAN – “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.”
- SPIRITUAL – “Human formation leads to and finds its completion in the spiritual dimension of formation, which constitutes the heart and unifying center of every Christian formation. Its aim is to tend to the development of the new life received in Baptism.”
- INTELLECTUAL – Intellectual formation offers the participant “substantial nourishment” for the pastoral, human, and spiritual dimensions of his life.
- PASTORAL – “Its aim…is to initiate the aspirant and candidate participant into the sensitivity of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, who came to serve and not be served.”
Diaconate Formation Program
The Archdiocese Office of the Diaconate assists the aspirant in discerning his vocation through academic, spiritual, and emotional formation through the Diaconate Formation Program (DFP).
The DFP consists of a five-year program of study, prayer, and experiences to help the potential deacon assess the particular gifts and talents he will bring to this ministry. It includes classroom studies, workshops, and practicums as well as occasional retreats to aid in spiritual growth.
The formation program includes a thorough study of Scripture, Theology, Christology, and Ecclesiology. Topics in Catholic Social Teaching, Catechesis, and Church History are covered in addition to encounters with the rich diverse cultural foundations of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Academic formation takes place at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC).
Family Life
The role of a candidate, spouse and family, is an important factor in our program. Through the support of the spouse, and their attendance at classes and the annual retreats, the candidate is strengthened in his call to serve the Church. Working together, a balance is maintained between their family life and the obligations of academic and spiritual formation.
Answering Your Call
If you are discerning in prayer to a possible vocation to the diaconal ministry, your first step is to discuss this with your spouse, children and family, as well as your pastor. You should work with a spiritual director who will help you discern if this is the avenue of service you should pursue. These people, spouse, family members, and priests, should be in agreement that your call to a life in service to the Church is genuine.
Your next step is to fill in an application for admission to candidacy and forward it to our office. Your application will be reviewed by the Diaconate Advisory Board and final recommendations made to our office.
The application for the Permanent Diaconate formation program can be found on the Forms page.
Please send the completed application to the Office of Diaconal Ministry and Formation:
The Office of Diaconal Ministry and Formation
2718 W. Woodlawn Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78228
Want to become a deacon?
To learn more about becoming a deacon, contact us using the form below. To apply, find the application on the Forms page.
Contact the Diaconate Office
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