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Diaconal Formation
Program --- A Primer
--- The Permanent Diaconate Formation program is directed at preparing men spiritually, academically and pastorally for ordination and to assist the Church in its mission of salvation of souls. Men who are called and chosen will be formed and sent to teach, to guard and to bear witness to, and serve Holy Mother the Church through the example of their lives and their ministry of Word, service and charity. Introduction The program from initial inquiry/application through ordination takes approximately six years; one year for application and screening; one year of Aspirancy and four years of formation and summer assignment and social justice ministries. At this time the Formation Program has: Class of 2007 13 men ordained 2/10/07 Class of 2008 20 men Class of 2009 16 men Class of 2010 16 men Class of 2011 13 men Class of 2012 16 men Class of 2013 16 men (To start January 2008) Recommended for consideration for the Class of 2013 – 41 men Number to be accepted - 16
Acceptance rate is less than 50% of those recommended. The drop-out rate from the beginning of formation though its completion is slightly greater than 20%.
Admission
Process All applicants must be recommended by their pastor. Those who are recommended are invited to attend informational sessions directed at explaining the permanent diaconate, time and personal commitments, wives consent and participation during formation and academic, spiritual and pastoral expectations. Applicants are provided with a comprehensive application package that allows for conducting background and personal reference checks and assuring the applicants meet admission and canonical requirements. Applicants and their wives go through a two-tier interview process, the initial interview being conducted by a deacon and his wife and the second by the Diaconal Formation Review Board (discussed later in this primer). The Board makes the final recommendations to the archbishop. During the Aspirancy Year candidates for formation receive psychological evaluations from licensed clinical psychologist. These evaluations are conducted to a criteria provided by the Director of Formation and are consistent with the criteria established for candidates being considered for seminary, however, also include matters dealing with marriage, children and secular work considerations. The initial admission process also screens for sense of responsibility, honesty and initiative, family and profession conduct, life style and demonstration of a life of active participation in the Church, as well as, of Catholic spirituality and justice. Aspirancy – Year 1 The propaedeutic period is one year and is directed at discernment of the diaconal vocation and readiness for acceptance to Candidacy. It should be noted that discernment does not end with this phase, but does continue throughout the following four year. This period affords a time when both the individual and the Church to have the opportunity to reflect on the “call” and to discern the suitability for holy orders. All men in formation, beginning with Aspirancy, must have a priest spiritual director and a deacon mentor. During the propaedeutic period, two in-class
Formation – Years 2-5 The formation phase consists of two elements, namely intellectual and spiritual. The intellectual consist of understanding essential Catholic doctrine based on Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, Church Councils, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other documents as papal encyclicals and instruction from the Magisterium. The current formation curriculum is attached as an appendix. The spiritual dimension of formation is intended to establish and nourish attitudes, habits and practices that will set the foundation for a lifetime of ongoing spiritual development. The immediate goals are to: Ø Fully comprehend the diaconate and cultivate a commitment to God’s Word in the family, in the Church and in the world; Ø Deepen prayer life; Ø Be acquainted with Catholic spiritual traditions and writings; Ø Practice and witness to the Sacrament of Matrimony; Ø Regularly receive Eucharist; Ø Regularly receive the Sacrament of Penance Ø Monthly spiritual direction. All candidates attend at least one three-day retreat annually and one or two Days of Reflection. All candidates participate in social justice ministries each year. These are specified in the attached Formation Five Year Curriculum. Time Commitment The overall time commitment required of candidates in the five-year formation program is estimated to be:
Academic Class Hours 980 Academic Study Hours 1125 (Average) Parish Ministry Hours 600 Summer Assignments 350 Social Justice Ministry Work 30 Days Retreats/Days of Reflection 25 Spiritual Direction Monthly Mentoring Quarterly, minimum The five year curriculum and social justice ministries are attached. Wives Wives are encouraged to attend classes with their husband; however,
attendance is not mandatory. Several days of reflection are offered to the wives of candidates. These days are mandatory for all wives. The content of these days are directed at: Ø
Problems and situations wives of
Ø Spiritual development and prayer; Ø Diaconal relationships with family and friends; Ø
Expectations of wives of Wives are encouraged to make an annual retreat and they are requires to attend all Days of Reflection with their husbands. Other Considerations Formation classes are currently being taught by priests and
The teaching staff currently involves 25 priests, 23
Formation instructors, Mentor Deacons and In- The Diaconal Formation Review Board ( Pastors, commencing with CY 2005, will be provided with an annual evaluation of candidates from his parish. Additionally, any serious academic, social, family, financial, health or similar problems are discussed with the candidate and pastor, together with recommended remedial action. The Formation Academic Advisory Board (FAAB) periodically reviews curriculum and make recommendations for additions and deletions from the formation program. The FAAB also assists in identifying suitable instructors. Pastoral Surveys Every three to five years a pastoral survey is conducted to identify the need for permanent deacons and how they are being utilized in the parish and by the archdiocese. The last survey was conducted in 2003 with the specific intent of identifying the number of permanent deacons required to support the Archdiocese of Atlanta in the Year 2010. The respondents to the survey questions were the pastors at the 102 parishes/missions at that time. A total of 85 responded to the survey. This study identified that in the Year 2010 there would be a need for a total of 238 deacons in active ministry, including 73 Spanish speaking deacons. Based upon historical figures of ordaining 15-20 permanent deacons per year, the currently identified need could not be met until the 2014/2015 time period. The study did not take into account additional growth in the Archdiocese, nor did it consider transfers in or out of the archdiocese resulting from relocation due to secular work, disabilities or death of men currently serving. The results of the study are considered to be conservative, particularly as the value of the permanent deacons is being realized more by pastors. A new study will be conducted later this year to identify the 2015-2020 needs. Prepared By: Deacon Loris R. Sinanian Director of Formation 706-781-3671 404-402-4022 August 24, 2007
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