How to become a deacon?

Requirements for Becoming a Deacon

Formation Program
The program entails a year of discernment followed by four years of academic, spiritual and pastoral formation. College credits will be given for these academic courses. Currently, classes are held at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center in Piscataway.

While the program provides competence within a specialized Church ministry, the curriculum and methodology are not intended to be a condensed theological program for priesthood. Applicants are already prepared in fields with valuable practical and often professional skills. The formation program will enrich their capabilities in applying these skills to the diaconate. After ordination each deacon is obligated to continue his education by attending workshops, seminars, etc.

Role of Wives
Since the wife's consent is required for her husband to enter the program and to be ordained, it is essential that she have a complete and thorough understanding of the extent of her spouse's commitment and of her role and sacrifices in supporting his ministry as an ordained deacon. She should be ready to accompany and encourage her husband in his ministry during formation and after ordination.

Requirements for Applicant
The basic requirement is that an applicant have "the heart of a servant." The deacon is called to serve in the manner of Jesus. He is first and foremost a Christian man in his usual employment and lifestyle, trained and formed by additional study and prayer and graced by the Sacrament of Holy Orders for a special ministry to the community. Thus, to be accepted as a candidate in the diaconate formation program in the Diocese of Metuchen, it is required that a man:

Be a Roman Catholic of sound moral character, mature in his faith, with a developed prayer life and a sense of vocation to service.
Be at least 30 years of age and no more than 60 upon entering the program.
Be in generally good physical and mental health.
Have proven stability in his secular employment and family life.
Have a secure and clear identity and a healthy self image.
Be already working in a service ministry in his parish, preferably in some leadership capacity.

This is in addition to any liturgical ministry in which he may be involved.

Have at least a high school diploma (or its academic equivalent) have the ability to learn in a structured academic environment.
Be recognized as a leader, a person of prayer, compassion and service by people in his parish.
If married, have the enthusiastic support of his wife and family to pursue ordination to the diaconate.
Have the support of a sponsoring pastor or institution who will welcome and assist in his ministry.

Application Procedure
Men interested in becoming candidates for the Diaconate in the Diocese of Metuchen should take the following steps:

Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Discuss the idea thoroughly with your spouse and family.
Carefully examine your reasons for wanting to be a deacon.
Consider how you can be of service as a deacon.
Seek the advice of your pastor, spiritual director, priest/friends, and deacons.
Become involved in your parish in different forms of service.

Selection of Candidates
The selection of candidates will begin with a General Information Meeting for all men and their wives who are interested in the diaconate. At the conclusion of the meeting, those who wish to be considered for admission to the formation program will be given application information. The date for the Information Meeting will be published on the calendar section of the website.

The selection process will include personal interviews with the applicant and his wife, psychological testing, a home visit, letters of recommendation and a physical examination. During the application year there will be several workshops to help the applicants discern their vocation. It will conclude with the Admission Board making an initial decision on applicants to be recommended to the Bishop for acceptance into the first year of the academic program. This provides time for both the potential candidate and the formation team to come to a better understanding of the diaconate ministry and the individual candidate's vocation.