Formation Requirements
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR THE PERMANENT DIACONATE FORMATION PROGRAM OF THE DIOCESE OF PENSACOLA-TALLAHASSEE. ( 3/6/2008 )
1. Must be at least 32 years of age.
2. Must be Roman Catholic of sound moral character, mature faith and have a vocational sense of service to others. They must have demonstrated a history of “service to others” for at least two years. This may have been accomplished in church, or in public/civic organizations.
3. If a newly baptized Catholic, or received into the church by a Profession of Faith, there is a five (5) year waiting period from the date of reception. If the person has been away from the church for any reason and returned, a five (5) year waiting period is required.
4. The following requires a five (5) year waiting period from the time of resolution/discharge, and requires the approval from the Diaconal Formation Board and the Bishop before an application can be made:
a) Substance abuse - alcohol, or drugs.
b) Family or marital problems.
c) Divorced and remarried within the Church.
(These cases must meet in person with the Director of the program, or his assignee)
5. If newly married, a five (5) year waiting period is required. (See #14.)
6. Must have a stable marriage and family. The wife must consent to the husband entering the program; otherwise, he will not be allowed to enter.
7. Be of sound physical and mental health. Must provide a doctors statement attesting to this fact.
8. Must have obtained a minimum of a high school diploma, and be able to do college-level academics.
9. Must be attuned to a renewed Church in the spirit of Vatican Council II. Must be able to represent the Church with dignity and intelligent service. He must have the time to be of service after ordination, and commit to at least 10-15 hours of service per week.
10. Must have his Pastor's approval. He must have been in the parish for two years. He will need a recommendation letter from his Pastor.
11. Must be a prayerful and spiritual person, and open to further spiritual formation. He must possess the potential to develop ministerial skills and be able to relate to all people, regardless of race, color, gender or economic background.
12. Must have a history of stable employment and credit. These will be checked. Employers will be asked to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant.
13. In the event the wife predeceases the deacon, he may not remarry except as canon law may permit. If single and ordained, he may not marry. If he marries during formation he will be excused from the program.
14. When considering application for diaconal formation, special evaluation will be given to those who have younger children. Past experience has revealed that care of children places a great demand of time on parents at the expense of the Church they choose to serve. Family comes before diaconal service. The advisory board will weigh carefully situations where there are children less than sixteen years of age.
15. Upon completion of the formation program, must be able to articulate and proclaim the Gospel and the teachings of the Church.