Diocese of Superior - Diaconate/Lay Ministry

WHAT IS A DEACON?

The word deacon is derived from the Greek "diaconia," meaning service. In the Church today, there are two forms of diaconate: the transitional diaconate and the permanent diaconate.

The transitional deacon is one ordained deacon in preparation for the priesthood. The permanent deacon is a person ordained deacon to render a lifetime of service within this clerical capacity.
HISTORY

The permanent diaconate is not one of the many innovations implemented by the Vatican Council. It is actually one of the earliest institutions of the Church. It was established in the 1st century as a means of assisting the Apostles in ministering to the needs of the early Christian community. The Church Fathers describe the deacon as "the bishop’s ear, mouth, heart and soul." St. Ignatius of Antioch declared the office of deacon to be nothing other than "the ministry of Jesus Christ." By the time of the Middle Ages the formal order of the deacon had narrowed to only liturgical functions and then to just a step in the preparation for the priesthood.

RESTORATION OF PERMANENT DEACONS

The movement to restore the permanent diaconate was well underway by the Second Vatican Council. Many reasons surfaced for bringing back this order after centuries of disuse in the Church. The Decree on the Missionary Activities of the Church reasons that "there are men who have actually been carrying out the functions of the deacons office, either by preaching the Word of God as catechist, or by presiding over scattered Christian communities in the name of the pastor or bishop." There is a critical shortage of priests, particularly in the developing nations. In such cases, the ministry of the deacon provides liturgical and other services to Catholics who would otherwise have to do without them. The restoration can be a further source of vocations, since not all men called to ministry are attracted to the priesthood. The central reasons for the restoration are that it re-establishes the threefold ministerial hierarchy (bishops, priests, deacons) originally formulated in the early Church, and that it strengthens the diaconal ministries through sacramental grace.

REQUIREMENTS

Once called by the Spirit to serve as deacon, there are basic requirements necessary for discernment of that call to candidacy. The candidate: must be at least 30 years of age (35 to be ordained); if married, have spouse's written consent/approval; have written approval and backing of pastor (or priest supervisor); have stable employment record, stable family history, good health; have interview with Permanent Diaconate staff; complete an application and spiritual autobiography; obtain letters of recommendation from at least three persons (leaders); submit baptism, confirmation, and marriage certificates; interview with acceptance committee from Deacon Board; submit formal letter to bishop asking for acceptance into the program.

The Board meets to act upon one's request for acceptance. After completing the above process, a recommendation is made to the bishop by the Deacon Board. Once accepted, each candidate is expected to develop a job description according to the needs of his parish or institution in which he intends to serve. The supervisors in these areas should be consulted along with the permanent diaconate staff. Once a basis job description is agreed upon, the candidate and his advisors will design a suitable study program. However, there are basic requirements of understanding, appreciating and integrating the following: Sacred Scripture, Christology, The Church, Pastoral Sociology and Psychology.

SPECIFIC TASKS

Deacons assist at liturgical functions; administer Baptisms; distribute the Eucharist, taking it to the dying, giving Benediction; serve as official witness at weddings in the absence of a priest; preside at funerals and burial services; read and preach the Scriptures; conduct services of the Word, prayer and worship in absence of a priest; perform charitable, administrative and social welfare duties; promote the lay apostolate; lead and guide mission communities of the local Church.

WHERE AND HOW

The Diaconate Program offers ten educational weekends yearly which include theological study, clinical practice, and experiences in spiritual growth. These 10-hour educational weekends begin at 8:00 on Saturday morning and run to Sunday noon. These courses are presented by local theologians and competent professionals in their fields.

Candidates and deacons are required to make a retreat once a year. The Diaconate Program provides a group retreat annually. Participants are free, however, to participate in other retreat experiences when approved by the Diaconate Office.

The period of study and formation will vary slightly due to the education and experiences of the participant. However, the usual time of program length is four to five years.

HOW TO BEGIN

If you think you are interested in the permanent diaconate, here are a few things you must do: pray to the Holy Spirit and ask for guidance; discuss the idea thoroughly with your spouse; examine carefully your own motives - Why do you want to become a deacon? Seek the advice of your pastor or some other priest whose judgment you value; ask yourself how you think you could be of service as a deacon; call, email or write the Office of Permanent Diaconate asking for additional information and possibly an appointment with the director of the diaconate program.

LAY MINISTRY OUTREACH FORMATION PROGRAM

AIM

To provide training and support for those called by their pastor/parish community to ministries of Catholic leadership and service within the parish; to nurture the participants' spiritual lives as they seek to deepen their relationship with Christ and respond from a faith perspective to the challenges of our world today; to provide a solid, practical foundation in Catholic teachings, scripture and spirituality; to enhance participants' ability to reflect theologically and critically on their own experiences of ministry and the Catholic Christian life; to provide an environment that respects the diversity and complementary of vocations and states of life, of ministries, of charisms and of responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for admission to the Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Program, applicants are to be supported by the Pastor/administrator or delegate. They must then complete application and offer references. There are numerous criteria used to assess candidates. They include personal stability, community support, spirituality, openness to change and personal growth, and desire for experience and service; experience or desire to serve in some aspect of parish outreach ministry, normally on a volunteer basis; time, energy and commitment to complete ALL sessions; ability to listen and relate to others in a small group setting; a willingness to be of service in a specific parish/institution ministry upon completion and certification.

TIME FRAME

A two-year program with a minimum of four Saturdays plus a retreat weekend each year. Saturday sessions begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m. A yearly schedule of dates, times, courses will be provided.

LOCATION

Sites will be located throughout the diocese where adequate accommodations and facilities can be obtained. A central location will be scheduled.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Lay Ministry Outreach Formation, rooted in spirituality, gives participants practical opportunities for spiritual nourishment through prayer experiences, mentoring, group interaction, and two weekend retreats. Participants are encouraged to choose a mentor (spiritual guide, companion, etc.) as part of his/her ongoing formation.

EDUCATIONAL FORMATION

Pastoral in nature, the classes combine the theological content with practical application to the participant's ministry and life experiences. Provides basic background for the various ministries found in most parish settings.

DISCERNMENT/AVAILABILITY

The program helps the participants explore their call to ministry and identify their gifts/goals. Pastors, mentors, instructors, and Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Program staff may offer assistance and guidance to the participant. The office staff of Lay Ministry Outreach Formation will be available at any time to assist participants in their journey through the two-year program. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share concerns and give feedback regarding their formation in this program.

LEARNING MODEL

Sessions employ adult education principles which respect critical reflection, human experiences and participant's input. Instructors and facilitators play a significant role in this learning model. They include prayer, presentation, small and large group discussions as part of the class design giving participants opportunities to draw implications for their ministry and personal lives. Each class may entail some preparation.

ATTENDANCE

Participants are required to attend ALL sessions and the two weekend retreats. In case of illness or emergency, it is the participant's responsibility to contact the Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Office regarding the need to make up the session missed to be eligible for certification.

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of the Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Program, participants will receive a certificate of completion. Requirements include attendance at ALL class sessions and retreats. If unable to attend a session because of illness or emergency, it is the participant's responsibility to obtain a video tape of the session through the Bishop Hammes Center for Religious Education & Youth Ministry. After reviewing the tape, the participant must write a 1-2 page summary and submit it to the Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Office within a month's time in order to receive certification.

COST

Total cost for the two-year Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Program is $250.00 a year. Half of the tuition is paid by the Lay Ministry participant and half by the sponsoring parish.

Participant

$ 70.00 each year - (4 six-hour Saturday classes)

$ 55.00 each year - (weekend Retreat)

$125.00 (Total participant each year)

Sponsoring Parish

$ 70.00 each year - (4 six-hour Saturday classes)

$ 55.00 each year - (weekend Retreat)

$125.00 (Total parish each year)

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS/ASSISTANCE

Tuition includes all courses, retreats, instructor fees and meals that are part of these activities. Payment of tuition is normally in full at the beginning of each year and is not refundable. Billing statements will be sent to participants & parishes after the first class. Payment is not to be made at weekend classes but should be mailed to the Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Office. The Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Office will assist participants who need financial aid to locate possible sources for such aid.

OPPORTUNITIES/BENEFITS FOR LAY MINISTRY COMPLETION

As a result of supporting a person who has successfully completed the entire program, a parish and the diocese will benefit in the following ways: have knowledgeable and skilled persons in specific areas of ministry who can lead and coordinate particular parish ministries; have persons who can assist the pastor and parish staff in bringing service to the people of the parish; have persons who can become a resource for the parish community.

Completion of the diocesan Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Program does not qualify for or oblige participants to go into formal salaried church ministry, i.e., pastoral associate, D/CRE. For these positions participants normally must seek further education consistent with the guidelines and qualifications set up by the diocese. The Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Office is available for consultation and guidance in this regard.

Opportunities for further education are available through Advanced Instruction in Ministry (AIM) classes. Watch the Catholic Herald for class announcements.

Contact:

Casey Peterson

cpeterson@catholicdos.org

715-394-0218

Deacon Tim Kuehn

tkuehn@catholicdos.org

715-394-0217

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