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Permanent Diaconate Formation and Study Program

The Permanent Diaconate Formation and Study Program is a four-year program.

  • The components of the formation program will be based on the document Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons - Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacon, and include human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation.  Candidates will choose a spiritual director to assist them in their formation and spiritual development.
  • One weekend a month from September to June, the candidates in each year of the program will gather at Providence Renewal Centre to take part in the study and formation program.
  • Candidates will be expected to prepare, in advance, for the presentations on Formation weekends. This will include completion of readings and preparation questions assigned by the presenter. A comprehensive examination will be written at the end of each year.
  • During the month of June of each of the first three years, the candidates will take part in a discernment process which will include a weekend retreat.
  • In the fourth year the candidates will take part in a five-day silent retreat and discernment process before ordination.
  • Ordained, permanent deacons are expected to serve as mentors and group leaders in the training of new candidates.
  • The spouses of candidates are encouraged, in so far as this is possible, to participate in the Formation and Study Program.

The Curriculum

YEAR ONE
Week 1      Introduction, Orientation, Christian Prayer
Week 2      Diaconate Spirituality
Week 3      Introduction to the Bible
Week 4      Genesis and Exodus
Week 5      The God of Israel - Father of Jesus
Week 6      Old Testament History
Week 7      The Gospels of Mark and Matthew
Week 8      Christology
Week 9      Church History I
Week 10     Retreat: Discipleship		 YEAR TWO
Week 1      The Prophetic Tradition
Week 2      The Holy Spirit
Week 3      The Church
Week 4      Sacraments I and Eucharist
Week 5      The Pauline Literature - Romans I & II Cor.
Week 6      Theological Anthropology
Week 7      Fundamental Moral
Week 8      Sacraments III: Matrimony
Week 9      Church History II
Week 10     Retreat: The Eucharist
YEAR THREE
Week 1      Luke and Acts
Week 2      Fundamental Moral III
Week 3      Sacraments II: Holy Orders
Week 4      Ethics at the Beginning and End of Life
Week 5      Johannine Literature
Week 6      Homiletics I
Week 7      Homiletics II
Week 8      Social Justice I
Week 9      Church History III
Week 10     Retreat: Evangelization		 YEAR FOUR
Week 1      The Communion of Saints
Week 2      Social Justice
Week 3      Marriage I
Week 4      Marriage II
Week 5      Christian Death
Week 6      Ministry of the Deacon
Week 7      Pastoral Counseling
Week 8      RCIA, Ministry to Youth, Addictions
Week 9      TBA
Week 10    Retreat: Eschatology

 

Schedule for a Formation/Study Weekend

Each weekend will deal with a theme as per curriculum, presented by a Newman Theological College professor or Archdiocesan priest.

SATURDAY

8 a.m.          Arrival; Check-in; Refreshments; etc.
8:45 a.m.     Morning Prayer - Chapel
9 a.m.          Celebration of the Eucharist - Chapel
9:45 a.m.     Refreshment Break
10 a.m.        Group Meeting - Diaconal Candidates
Group Meeting - Spouses
11:30 a.m.   Journal Writing
12 Noon       Lunch
2 p.m.          Presentation on Theme
3:15 p.m.     Refeshment Break
3:30 p.m.     Presentation on Theme
4:45 p.m.     Journal Writing
5:15 p.m      Supper
7 p.m.          Evening Prayer - Chapel
7:30 p.m.     Presentation on Human Formation topic

9 p.m.        Social
SUNDAY

8 a.m.          Breakfast
9 a.m.          Morning Prayer - Chapel
9:20 a.m.     Presentation on Theme
10:30 a.m.   Refeshment Break
10:45 a.m.   Presentation on Theme
11:30 a.m.   Journal Writing
12 Noon       Lunch
1:15 p.m.     Closing Presentation on Theme
2 p.m.          Feedback Survey/logistics, etc.
2:15 p.m.     Celebration of the Eucharist - Chapel
3 p.m.          Departure


The next group of candidates will begin their Formation and Study program in September 2009.

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