Becoming A Permanent Catholic Deacon
According to Canon Law, candidates for the permanent diaconate must be at least 25 years old, if unmarried, and at least 35 years old, if married (in this case, he also needs his wife’s consent). If an unmarried man is ordained to the diaconate, he commits himself to a life of celibacy; married men commit themselves to the same, should their wife pass away before them.
How do I know if it’s for me?
The calling to the permanent diaconate is a vocation; it begins with God’s initiative. The National Directory for the Formation, Life, and Ministry of Permanent Deacons in the United States, a helpful and detailed book available on the USCCB webpage, offers some common traits of those called to the diaconate:
- inclination/desire to serve the Christian Community
- psychological integrity
- capacity for dialogue, for sharing one’s faith
- sense of responsibility, accountability, prudent judgment, generous service and the ability to lead and motivate others;
- good Christian reputation
- participation in the Church’s life and apostolic work
I’m interested… What do I do now?
If you identify with these qualities and feel you may be called to this service to the Church, here are some suggestions as you begin the process of discernment:
• Look. Visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Website. You can find Church documents and references, information about the diaconate in your particular diocese, as well as the person to contact for more information.
• Pray. Deepen your prayer life. God speaks to your heart and will show you His plan, but you have to give Him the opportunity.
• Seek counsel. Each person’s spiritual journey is unique; you need personal guidance to understand the particular path God has for you. Contact your parish priest or diocesan vocations director (you can find a directory here on vocation.com) to make arrangements.
• Ask. Are there any permanent deacons at your parish? Talk to them about their personal experience and discernment process.
• Talk. Be open with your spouse and family about your interest in the permanent diaconate. Pray about it together, research together, share discoveries and insights. It’s a process that affects and involves the whole family.
“No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn. 15:13). The permanent diaconate is precisely this: responding to God’s call to lay down your life every day to serve Jesus and Our Heavenly Father in your brothers and sisters.
How do I know if it’s for me?
The calling to the permanent diaconate is a vocation; it begins with God’s initiative. The National Directory for the Formation, Life, and Ministry of Permanent Deacons in the United States, a helpful and detailed book available on the USCCB webpage, offers some common traits of those called to the diaconate:
- inclination/desire to serve the Christian Community
- psychological integrity
- capacity for dialogue, for sharing one’s faith
- sense of responsibility, accountability, prudent judgment, generous service and the ability to lead and motivate others;
- good Christian reputation
- participation in the Church’s life and apostolic work
I’m interested… What do I do now?
If you identify with these qualities and feel you may be called to this service to the Church, here are some suggestions as you begin the process of discernment:
• Look. Visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Website. You can find Church documents and references, information about the diaconate in your particular diocese, as well as the person to contact for more information.
• Pray. Deepen your prayer life. God speaks to your heart and will show you His plan, but you have to give Him the opportunity.
• Seek counsel. Each person’s spiritual journey is unique; you need personal guidance to understand the particular path God has for you. Contact your parish priest or diocesan vocations director (you can find a directory here on vocation.com) to make arrangements.
• Ask. Are there any permanent deacons at your parish? Talk to them about their personal experience and discernment process.
• Talk. Be open with your spouse and family about your interest in the permanent diaconate. Pray about it together, research together, share discoveries and insights. It’s a process that affects and involves the whole family.
“No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn. 15:13). The permanent diaconate is precisely this: responding to God’s call to lay down your life every day to serve Jesus and Our Heavenly Father in your brothers and sisters.
