Initiation Of Next Deacon Formation Class

Amarillo—Inquirer registration for the next Deacon Formation Class continues through Friday, May 15, according to Deacon Brian Lewis, director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Amarillo.

Deacons are ordained clergy belonging to one of the three degrees of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, which are bishop, priest and deacon (permanent and transitional). At an ordination to the diaconate, the bishop lays hands on the candidate, signifying the deacon's special attachment to the bishop. As the needs of the dioceses dictate, the bishop assigns deacons where they are needed.

Some of the requirements for admission to the deacon formation program include:
 • The aspirant must be a male, between 30 and 59 years of age;
 • Must have at least a high school diploma or a GED;
 • If married, must be in a stable, sacramental marriage of at least five years;
 • Must be able to demonstrate a history of significant ministerial service;
 • Be a Catholic in good standing of at least five years, with a mature spiritual and prayer life:
 • Must have a working knowledge of English and, if English-speaking, be willing to learn Spanish;
 • Must be free of impediments to ordination, be gainfully employed and be a documented resident;
 • Must be psychologically sound, in good physical health and pass a criminal history check; and,
 • Must have the full support of his pastor.

The formation program requires a significant time commitment of 60 hours or more per month. In addition, the wife must be in full support of her husband, and she must attend the formation classes. The formation process lasts 5½ years with an expected ordination date in December 2031. Each year is comprised of no less than 11 weekends, one weekend per month, which includes emphasis on human, intellectual, pastoral and spiritual development, plus prayer/study group meetings, parish internship and charity ministry.  
There will be on-line courses each semester. Access to a computer and internet will be necessary.

Additional information can be found at the diocesan website amarillodiocese.org/diaconate, then click Deacon Formation.
 If interested, discuss your interest with your wife, family and your pastor. If your pastor agrees, he will give you an initial registration form. Once the form is completed, he will sign it and have you and your wife (if married) sign it. The completed signed registration form must be received by the Diaconate Office, Box 5644, Amarillo, TX 79117-5644, no later than Friday, May 15.

Once registered, you will be invited to a discernment session. These sessions serve as an opportunity to gain more information about the Permanent Diaconate, the application and formation processes, as well as learn the steps to the fruitful discernment of a possible call. The first discernment session is scheduled for Saturday, June 6.

For more information, contact Deacon Brian Lewis, Director of the Diaconate, 806-383-2243, ext. 144 or [email protected]