Permanent diaconate inquiry sessions planned for fall

Next cohort will include new academic component, more pastoral work

 

“We’re taking it to a different level” might sound like a slogan professional sports teams would employ to promote optimism to potential season ticket buyers. But in the Diocese of Richmond, that is the mindset and goal of Deacon John Kren, director of the Office for the Permanent Diaconate, as he prepares to form the next cohort of men studying for the permanent diaconate.

What Deacon Kren calls “the start of a revamp” in formation for the permanent diaconate includes a “more intense” academic component — “We’ll be more focused on the spiritual and pastoral sides,” with an increase in the number of retreats and pastoral projects.

“We are investigating the beginning of a new academic program. We’re leaving St. Leo College and going to Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology,” he said. Twelve (arch)dioceses in the United States have Saint Meinrad provide the academic component for the formation of its permanent deacons.

First step

Men who might have a calling to ordained service to the Church and the bishop as a permanent deacon, and who are interested in discerning that calling while learning about the commitment it involves, are invited to contact their pastors.

This is the first step in the diaconate office’s process for establishing a new cohort of men to be formed for service as permanent deacons.

After a brief meeting with a man who expresses interest, the pastor will forward his name and contact information to the Office for the Permanent Diaconate by Friday, Sept. 24.

“We are setting up information sessions — one each in October, November and December,” Deacon Kren said. “These meetings will address what the diaconate is, what are the responsibilities of the deacon and what is involved in the formation program.”

If the number of those expressing interest warrants it, three meetings will be held in each of the diocese’s three vicariates.

At each of the two-hour meetings, Deacon Kren will speak, as will the vicariate deacons — Michael Johnson, Eastern; Chris Malone, Central; and Michael Ellerbrock, Western. In addition, Deacon Kren will invite deacons from each vicariate to be present for one-on-one conversations with attendees.

Ongoing discernment

“Between those sessions the man would be asked to continue praying about this calling, establish a habit of attending Mass and talk to his wife about the diaconate because it impacts them and their family,” Deacon Kren said. “The spouses of married men are expected to attend the meetings.”

That impact comes in the form of what he termed “a large time commitment” one makes to the formation program.

“It commits that person and his wife and family and impacts them for the next four to five years,” Deacon Kren said.

He noted that the last time the office held the inquiry sessions, 70 men came forward for the initial meeting.

“After the inquiry meetings, the cohort started with 20,” Deacon Kren said.

Basic qualifications

Qualifications for formation to the permanent diaconate include, but are not limited to the following:

  • A Roman Catholic for a minimum of five years at time of application;
  • Registered parishioner within the Diocese of Richmond for five years at the time of application, and active in the parish community;
  • Between the ages of 30 and 59 at the time of application;
  • Committed to and living out values of justice, charity and service;
  • Demonstrates grateful fidelity to all that the Church teaches, openness to formation and has demonstrated leadership.

Process continues

Following the initial inquiry, those who are interested in continuing their discernment will be asked to “capture their spiritual journey” in writing.

A group will review it, those discerning will be interviewed, and formation teams will start meeting with them.

“With those who move beyond that, we start the application process,” Deacon Kren said. “The candidate will be screened by a canon lawyer, complete psychological tests and, if married, he and his spouse will meet with a professional counseling service for an evaluation of their marriage.”

Depending upon when the academic component will begin, those who have applied will know by Aug. 22, 2022, or Dec. 22, 2022, if they have been accepted for formation.

Scroll to Top