Skip to main content
Diaconate Header

Diaconate Ministry

Becoming a Deacon

The thought has crossed your mind, or perhaps others have suggested that you consider looking into the possibility of becoming a permanent deacon.

Just what does this entail? Well for starters, the Second Vatican Council, as the Council of Trent before it, called for the restoration of the permanent diaconate as one among three permanent and independent orders within the sacrament of Holy Orders. The words “deacon” and “diaconate” come from the Greek word diakonia which means “service” or “ministry.” A deacon then, is ordained by the Church for what the Second Vatican Council synthesized as service to the Word, service to the altar, and service to charity.

The Process

The process of becoming a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Palm Beach begins with your discernment or God’s call through prayer and reflection. The next step is to discuss your interest and questions with your Spiritual Director and then your Pastor. If your Pastor approves, you can contact the Office of Permanent Diaconate Formation for an application.

Icon of the diaconate ministry

“Deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well. Thus, those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 3:8-12; NABRE)

Qualities of the Applicant

The applicant for the Diaconate in the Diocese of Palm Beach should be a man who shows behavioral patterns (human qualities) that have been discerned among exemplary deacons in the United States (taken from National Directory #166-167):

  • A natural inclination of service to the . . . Christian community and to all in need;
  • Psychological integrity;
  • A capacity for dialogue, which implies a sense of docility and openness;
  • The ability to share one’s faith yet listen respectfully to other points of view;
  • The capacity to listen carefully and without prejudices—respecting people in the context of their religion, race, gender, ethnicity, and culture;
  • Good communication skills;
  • A sense of responsibility that includes the fulfilling of one’s word and completing one’s work;
  • Self-directed and collaborative accountability;
  • Balanced and prudent judgment;
  • Generosity in service; and
  • The ability to lead, motivate, facilitate, and animate others into appropriate action and service.

Furthermore, according to the National Directory, the profile is completed with certain spiritual and evangelical qualities. Among these are:

  • A sound faith;
  • Good Christian reputation;
  • Active involvement in the Church’s apostolate;
  • Personal integrity, maturity, and holiness;
  • Regular participation in the Church’s sacramental life;
  • Evidence of recognized, ongoing commitment to the Church’s life and service;
  • Participation in faith enrichment opportunities (e.g., retreats, days of recollection, adult education programming);
  • A positive and stable marriage, if married, or a mature celibate state of life, if single;
  • Active membership in a Christian community;
  • Capacity for obedience and fraternal communion; and
  • A deep spirituality and prayer life.

For the Diocese of Palm Beach

Additional criteria in the Diocese of Palm Beach include the following:

  • Is formally presented for the diaconate by his pastor;
  • Has a prayerful disposition;
  • Is no younger than 30 and no older than 55 years when he submits application for admission to Aspirancy;
  • Must be physically and psychologically healthy;
  • If single (not married), is willing to commit to a life of celibacy;
  • If married, is in a stable, healthy and happy marriage (5 years minimum) and whose wife and children support him in pursuing the diaconate;
  • Situations of divorce/annulment will require special consideration and approval;
  • If a convert to the faith; baptism or profession must have been made more than 5 years prior to application;
  • Has leadership qualities in parish or diocesan ministry for the past 3 years;
  • Lives within the geographical boundaries of the diocese;
  • Is capable of college level work in theological studies and is open to spiritual and ministerial formation;
  • Can successfully pass a thorough criminal and background check;
  • Is capable of giving serious attention and time to theological study, spiritual formation and ministry;
  • Has a stable work history (5 years minimum);
  • Is flexible in adapting to the needs of the diocese and must be willing to go where the bishop needs him; and
  • Should demonstrate grateful fidelity to all that the Church teaches.

Identifying the Call to Diaconate Ministry

The presence of these qualities, experienced in kindness and humility, may demonstrate a call to the Order of Deacons.

It is expected that applicants have been actively involved in the Church’s apostolate in their parish or Catholic agency. This may include programs of educational ministry, liturgical ministry, parish council, social ministry and so forth. Social ministries include serving the poor, the hungry, the sick, the homeless, the handicapped, the elderly, the imprisoned, life issues, etc.

Those men whose first language is not English may have to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and receive a score that represents an acceptable fluency in English.

Close