Formation Program
The mission of the Deacon Formation Program is to help candidates discern their call
to the ministry of the deacon and to prepare them for service in the Archdiocese of Seattle.
As required by The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent
Deacons in the United States (ND), the Deacon Formation Program lasts four years,
preceded by a four-month inquiry period. A new class of approximately 25 candidates
is admitted once every five years.
Program components include Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Pastoral Formation.
Human Formation
There are certain human qualities that should be fostered not only
for the growth and realization of self, but also for effective ministry.
The deacon should have the courage to speak out for the weak and defend
their rights; the ability to manage conflict; collaborate and organize;
the ability to communicate well and work with others; a spirit of sacrifice,
strength and perseverance; and the aptitude for working in the fields
of peacemaking, development, and justice.
Spiritual Formation
The spiritual dimension of formation helps the candidate to deepen
his prayer life, both individual and communal; cultivate a commitment to
service to God's word, the Church and the world; acquaint him with the
Catholic spiritual traditions, affirm the Christian witness of matrimonial
and celibate spirituality; and assist in the spiritual development of those
whom he encounters (see# 113 ND).
The components of this spiritual formation include monthly meetings with
a spiritual director, two retreats a year, developing the practice of praying
the Liturgy of the Hours, and the integration of pastoral and intellectual
components of formation.
Intellectual Formation
The National Directory states that "an increasingly educated society and
new roles of leadership in diaconal ministry require that a deacon be a
knowledgeable and reliable witness to the faith and a spokesman for the
church's teaching" (#118). This "complete and serious" scope of
intellectual formation has its foundation on the study of the Scriptures
and the documents of the Second Vatican Council. Coursework also
includes the area of systematic theology, social justice, morality,
church history, sacramental theology, canon law as well as practicums
in listening, homiletics, and liturgical celebrations.
Components of Intellectual Formation include a weekend once a
month (excluding July and August) at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat
and Faith Formation Center in Federal Way. Candidates should plan
on six to eight hours a week for reading and paper assignments.
Pastoral Formation
Although the entire program is focused on the pastoral dimension,
the specifically pastoral component consists of yearly placements,
supervision and evaluation of the candidate in a ministry of the
Archdiocese with the goal of effectively developing a candidate's
pastoral skills. Within the pastoral placement, candidates should
strive to develop fresh, creative responses to the gospel message
especially with regard to the requirements of justice and charity
and to the needs of the diverse ethnic communities of the Archdiocese.