Permanent Diaconate
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Following the 2012 ordination to the Permanent Diaconate, an evaluation
of the Formation Program as well as diaconal ministry in the Archdiocese
will be taking place. A new class will not be called until the completion
of that evaluation (most likely after 2014).
The calling of a new class
will be publicized through the Catholic Northwest Progress, this
website and the Pastors and Pastoral Coordinators of the Archdiocese.
In the meantime, potential inquirers should strive to meet and strengthen
the following fundamental requirements:
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Age
They must be at least 35 years of age and no more than 65 at the time of
ordination, unless exempted by the Archbishop.
Health
They must be in good physical health.
Marital Status
Married or single men are eligible. If married, they must be validly
married by the Church for a number of years. Individual cases are determined by the Archbishop.
They must also understand the commitment to celibacy if single, or if they are married, the
commitment to celibacy if their spouse dies.
Stable Family
They must show evidence of a stable marriage and family life.
Economic Stability
Whether employed or retired, they must be economically stable and self-sufficient.
Education
They must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and be fluent
enough in English to be able to participate successfully in the program. It is also desirable
that those whose first language is English be able to speak a second language, especially one
that will be useful in their pastoral setting.
Formation
They must be willing and able to complete successfully the Archdiocesan
Deacon Formation Program, and they must establish and maintain an active relationship with
an approved spiritual director.
Continuing Formation
They must commit themselves to continuing their formation as a deacon.
Practicing Catholic
They must be a practicing Catholic in their parish or faith community for
at least five years, having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
Ministerial Involvement
They must already model the deacon's role through some ministerial
involvement in the life of the faith community.
Involvement of Spouse
The spouse of a married candidate must be fully supportive of her
husband's candidacy and be willing to participate in the program.
Recommendations
They must have the recommendation of their pastor, priest administrator,
or pastoral coordinator of the parish where they are faithful members, their employer (if employed),
and of a staff person or a volunteer member of the parish or faith community who is familiar
with their current ministry. If the candidate comes from a parish in which a deacon already
serves, the deacon's recommendation is required. Such recommendations will acknowledge a
history of involvement in their parish or faith community, especially in a way that shows
ministerial commitment and skill. If an applicant has attended a seminary, a reference from
the Seminary rector is required.
Personal Qualities and Attributes
In addition to these fundamental requirements, persons seeking to minister in the
Archdiocese of Seattle must exhibit the following personal qualities and attributes:
- They are knowledgeable about current Roman Catholic teachings and practices and have shown a commitment to continuing faith formation.
- They express their spirituality as an integral part of themselves and nurture their relationship with God through regular prayer.
- They speak and act in ways congruent with the Church's faith and its moral and social teachings.
- They respect all individuals and demonstrate sensitivity to the rich ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity of parishioners; they celebrate and integrate the individual uniqueness of all persons.
- They maintain respect for the dignity, worth and potential for growth of individuals and communities and for alternative points of view.
- They take responsibility for themselves, make decisions, and deal with the consequences.
- They set goals, articulate personal values, and make decisions in light of personal values and without undue influence from others. At the same time, they can follow goals set by those responsible for the common good and act according to established procedures.
- They identify their personal strengths and weaknesses, remain open to feedback from others and are able to change behaviors, attitudes, and needs.
- They have demonstrated involvement in the parish's apostolic ministry, especially to the poor and marginalized.