The Office for Permanent Diaconate Formation’s primary purpose is implementing the four-fold dimensions of diaconal formation (human, spiritual, intellectual, and Pastoral) of potential candidates for the diaconate of Jesus Christ in the Roman Catholic Church. Its guiding focus is the example of Jesus Christ, who came “not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for the many” (Mark 10:45). 

In theological instruction and Pastoral education, the Office for Permanent Diaconate Formation seeks to engage men in a process of reflection on the issues of life, to provide a better understanding of the Gospel message, a clear awareness of the historical development of the Christian faith and to impart a genuine sensitivity to the human concerns and spiritual demands faced the twenty-first century disciples of Christ. A particular emphasis is strengthening a man’s ability to explain and articulate the Catholic faith to members of the Catholic Church and to men and women of other Christian ecclesial communities, and also other faiths.

Ordination Year 2028 Cohort is currently in formation. The diocese will announce to all the parishes when new applications will be accepted for the permanent diaconate.

Discerning a Call to the Diaconate?

Pray: Diaconate Ordination is a permanent configuration to Jesus Christ as servant. This is a participation in the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. The closer you are to the Lord and the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist & Penance, the better you can ask how you can serve the Lord as a minister of the Church.

Speak with your priest and deacons about it. Seeking their guidance and honest thoughts about your suitability and strategies for prayerful deliberation.

Learn: read more about the permanant diaconate.

General Requirements to be a Permanent Deacon

1. In the Diocese of Allentown, any applicant the permanent diaconate must be a Catholic man in good standing and health. (Participating in the life of the Church for several years consistently).

2. The age of 35 and older, with the ability to balance six years of academic and pastoralformation with the demands of family and work life, to be ordained no later than the age of 70.

3. Personal financial stability (permanent deacons in parish assignments are not financially compensated).  

4. Humble Openness to the Church’s guidance of the Holy Spirit and prudential judgement of a candidate’s suitability.

5. Any unmarried candidate must also prepare for and promise celibacy prior to ordination to the permanent diaconate.  

6. Drive to develop the personal abilities and traits required for public ministry.

"The principal function of the deacon, therefore, is to collaborate with the bishop and the priests in exercise of a ministry which is not of their own wisdom but of the Word of God, calling all to conversion and holiness." - Congregation for the Clergy, Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons, no. 23

What does formation look like?

Human: The fostering of Human Formation consistent with the attainment of the maturity demanded for ordained ministry as a Roman Catholic Deacon serving in the Diocese of Allentown.

Spiritual: The deepening of Spiritual Formation so as to sustain a lifetime of diaconal service that advances the continual conversion of mind and heart so necessary for every baptized member of the Church, and is expected of its ordained clerics.

Intellectual: In partnership with Saint Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry: sharpening of Intellectual Formation effectively to assimilate a graduate, professional theological education consonant with the ability faithfully to grasp, represent, and apply the Church’s Tradition as an ordained Deacon.

Pastoral: The broadening of Pastoral Formation to develop the specific capacities for ministerial and public leadership required for diaconal service.