Diocese of Joliet

The service of deacons in the Church is documented from apostolic times and flourished well into the 5th century. For a variety of reasons, the diaconate then began to be conferred only on those preparing for the priesthood. The renewal of the diaconate as a permanent order in its own right was called for both by the Council of Trent and by the Second Vatican Council and implemented by Pope Paul VI in 1967.

By reason of their ordination by the Bishop, deacons are to serve as a
sacrament of Jesus himself, the one who “came not to be served, but to serve.”
They are to be icons, living signs, of Christ the Servant. Pope John Paul II
spoke of the service of deacons as “the Church’s service sacramentalized.”

A deacon is ordained to a threefold, integrated ministry of service of the Liturgy,
Word and Charity/Justice.

The deacon’s service of the liturgy at Mass, besides proclaiming the Gospel
and articulating the Church’s needs in the general intercessions,
includes preparing the gifts, distributing Holy Communion and, with the
approval of the Bishop and his pastor, preaching the homily. The deacon may solemnly baptize, witness marriages in the name of the Church,
bring Viaticum to the dying, and preside over wakes, funerals and
burial services. He may preside over liturgies of the Word, the
Liturgy of the Hours, and exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
He may also conduct other prayer services and administer certain of the Church’s sacramentals.
The service of the Word includes: offering catechetical instruction, counseling, instructing catechumens, leading retreats and scripture study, conducting parish renewal programs and reaching out to alienated Catholics.
The deacon is a pre-eminent minister of charity and justice. The service of charity/justice is as extensive as are human needs. The deacon ministers in prisons and in hospitals. He visits the homebound, serves the mentally ill, chemically dependent, the abused and battered, the old and the young, the abandoned, the dying and the bereaved. Since in modern society it is no longer sufficient merely to help someone in need, a deacon should also be involved in social justice and advocacy efforts for a just society.

Currently, there are over 14,000 permanent deacons in the United States and 31,000 worldwide. The first permanent deacons in the Diocese of Joliet were ordained in 1974. Presently, 185 deacons serve our diocese in parishes, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and wherever the needs of people call for their ministry.

The Diaconate Formation program is comprised of two distinct, but unified paths: the Aspirancy Path and the Candidacy Path. Formation sessions throughout the diaconate formation program are held at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The Fall term begins in mid-August and ends prior to Christmas and the Spring term begins in February and concludes prior to Memorial Day. Wives of married candidates are strongly encouraged to attend classes throughout the formation program.

The Aspirancy Path is one year in length and should be viewed as a trial period, the purpose of which is for the aspirant to begin to discern if he has an authentic call to the diaconate and for those responsible for the formation of deacons to determine whether an aspirant is prepared for admission to Candidacy. Wives of married aspirants are required to attend the first 7-week course, “Ministry and Spirituality of the Diaconate.” Participation in a 3-hour spiritual formation session held on four Sunday afternoons throughout the year and attendance at a weekend retreat is required of aspirants and wives. Aspirants are also required to participate in individual spiritual direction. At the conclusion of the Aspirancy period, the Committee on Admission and Scrutinies will assess the aspirant’s suitability and readiness to advance to the Candidacy Path. The Committee will consider the aspirant’s competence and progress in the four dimensions of diaconal formation (spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral) together with other assessments that have been completed during the Aspirancy period.

The Candidacy Path follows successful completion of Aspirancy and is 3 years in length. Petitioners for admission to Candidacy will be interviewed to appraise readiness for nomination to the Candidacy Path. Wives of married men will also be interviewed to determine their level of support for their husband’s petition. The Bishop will select those to be admitted to Candidacy. An annual evaluation will determine continuation in the Diaconate Formation Program.

Candidates are expected to attend classes on Monday and Thursday evenings. Participation in a 3-hour spiritual formation session held on four Sunday afternoons throughout the year and attendance at a weekend retreat is required of candidates and wives. Candidates are also required to participate in individual spiritual direction throughout the 3-year Candidacy period. An annual evaluation of candidates will determine continuation in the Diaconate Formation program.

At least 31 years of age by September 1 st of the year of admission.
A high school diploma or its equivalent.
Fully initiated Catholic and a practicing member of a parish within the Diocese of Joliet for at least 4 years.
At least 3 years of significant involvement in some aspect of lay ministry and/or in charitable or social justice/peace activities.
If married, be in a valid Catholic marriage and have the consent of his wife. If unmarried, be living a celibate lifestyle.
Demonstrated stability in life situations: marriage, family, employment, residence, physical and emotional health.
A letter of support from the pastor.
3 letters of recommendation, one of which must be from either a parish council member or a parish leader.

The Application Process

Request application materials from the Office for the Diaconate.
Meet (wife also, if married) with pastor. Ask references to complete and submit letters of reference.
Submit application and, if married, wife’s letter of support.
Submit sacramental records issued within the last 6 months.
Submit a physician’s statement certifying that you are physically able to participate in the formation program and post ordination diaconal ministry.
*Submit a Certificate of Completion of the “Protecting God’s Children” program.
Participate in the Deacon Perceiver Assessment administered by the Diaconate Office.
*Participate in a psychological assessment.
*Participate in interviews with the Director, Associate Director and Committee on Admission and Scrutinies.

The applicant is responsible for the cost of obtaining the physician’s statement, purchasing textbooks and other course materials, and providing fees/donations to the individual spiritual director.

The admission process is thorough and begins with your becoming aware of the requirements of the formation program and the application procedures. To that end, we will be holding orientation sessions for potential members of the Class of 2011 according to the following schedule:

Monday, November 6. 2006, at St. Joseph Church in Bradley, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
211 N. Center Avenue in Bradley. (815) 939-3573. Meeting in Ministry Center
which is located behind the church at 260 N Prairie Avenue.

Thursday, November 9, 2006, at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville,
7:30 – 9:00 p.m. 402 S. Independence Blvd. in Romeoville. (815) 838-8100.
Meeting in Room 155.

Monday, November 13, 2006, at St. Joseph Church in Downers Grove, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

4824 Highland Avenue in Downers Grove. (630) 964-0216. Meeting in the church hall, below the main level of the church.

It is essential that you attend one of these sessions. If you are married your wife should attend also.

Diocese of Joliet
Office for the Diaconate
St. Charles Pastoral Center
402 S. Independence Blvd.
Romeoville, IL 60446-2264
(815) 834-4090
diaconate@dioceseofjoliet.org