Last May the Bishop of Erie ordained four men as permanent deacons. One was a theology teacher at a local Catholic high school. Another was a professional psychologist. The third as an insurance executive. The fourth was a correctional official recently retired from the prison system. All four were college graduates. Two of them were men that I had know for many years and encouraged to apply to the deacon formation program. All four of them were good, intelligent, and spiritual men whom I respected a great deal.
When they first applied to the formation program the formation team members interviewed them and their wives. Once they were accepted into the program we invited them to take part in an orientation weekend. During that weekend we got to know each other a bit better and they were informed of all the policies and procedures that were involved with the formation program. We also introduced them to some of the faculty and how to use the computer program that supported our formation process. This is essentially the same process that will be used initially for those accepted into the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa deacon formation program.
The practical aspect of providing the coursework for those in formation will require that everyone be able to make use of distance learning methods. Primarily doing readings and assignments, using on-line course work and occasional on-line meetings with faculty. Some faculty members will be on island and more readily accessible but others will be working out of mainland universities and available only through FaceTime/Skype, email, and similar methods.
The formation program has a mix of theology and pastoral courses that are taken throughout the program. The theology courses include Scripture, Patristics, Christology, Foundational theology, Moral Thelogy, Sacraments, ecclesiology (Church), and Church History.Among the pastoral courses are Homiletics (preaching), liturgy, Pastoral Counseling, Pastoral Leadership and Administration.
Spirituality is an important part of formation as well. Each year of formation candidates will take part in courses on spirituality to enrich their relationship with the Lord, as well as to give them the skills and insight necessary to be of help to others.There will also be an annual retreat that candidates and their wives are required to attend. The candidates, at least, are expected to have regular spiritual directors. If candidates need assistance in finding a spiritual director, formation staff will help them make the connection. Days of prayer and recollection will be held during the year as well to provide additional support to the candidates. Some time during formation candidates are expected to take part in a marriage enrichment program similar to Marriage Encounter, though formation team members will make those arrangements.
All candidates are expected to take part in parish-based ministry throughout their formation period. Diaconal ministry is service oriented ministry, so the practice of actual service to the parish community is an integral part of formation as deacons. The formation program also includes working with a mentor deacon, who can help teach you the “ropes”and provide practical advice on ministry and preparing for ordination.
As is obvious, the deacon formation program is a major commitment on the part of everyone involved. It is a five-year program that requires a great deal of study and effort on the part of the candidate. A similar commitment of time and effort is demanded of the formation team. There is also a significant commitment of financial resources on the part of the Diocese to support the formation program. While each candidate will benefit from the spiritual and intellectual growth offered by the formation program, the ultimate goal is to expand the corps of trained and ordained leadership available to the people of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.
If this Along the Way series on the diaconate has sparked any interest in pursuing the diaconate, please follow up on that interest. Applications for the Deacon Formation program are available from the Diocesan Curia next to Mount Carmel Cathedral. If you have any questions about the diaconate in general or the formation program in particular, please feel free to inquire. I would be pleased to answer your questions. My email address is rshewman@eriercd.org. I would also encourage you to speak with one of the deacons already ministering in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa. They are happy to share their insight and experience with you.