Men between the ages of 30 and 59 are invited to speak with their pastor about the diaconate, said Deacon John Kren, director of the diocesan Office of the Permanent Diaconate.
Eligible men must be registered parishioners in our diocese for a period of five years, and should be committed to the values of justice, charity, and service. This fall, those men recommended to the diocesan office by their pastor can join information sessions on the vocation. The deadline for pastors to submit recommendations is Aug. 29.
The three fall information sessions constitute the process of inquiry. Information will include defining the diaconate, expectations for deacons, and the formation process. For men who are married, their wife is expected to attend all three sessions so that they understand this new vocation.
Those selected at the end of the inquiry period become aspirants for one year, a period of continued discernment.
“We talk with aspirants about prayer, reconciliation, and the need for spiritual direction,” said Deacon Kren. “This is a very important time in the process. Are you willing to offer yourself up to the service of the Church?”
After the year of discernment is complete, the aspirants selected for candidacy will go through an additional four years of formation before being ordained.
In addition to serving at Mass and celebrating the sacraments of baptism and matrimony in his role, Deacon Kren said he enjoys working with couples as they prepare for these sacraments.
“My wife Chris and I love talking with couples about marriage,” said Deacon Kren. “I enjoy working with young couples bringing their children to baptism.”
A longtime parishioner of St. Mark, Virginia Beach, Deacon Kren first heard the call himself 28 years ago.
“At the time, I was involved in my parish. I was a lector, I was on the parish council,” he said. “Then I read an article in The Catholic Virginian about the diaconate, and everything came together. I decided that this is something I’m called to do.”
Read more information about the diaconate.