Archdiocese of Los Angeles - Diaconate Formation Program
See also: Aspirancy Homepage | Year 1 Sessions | Year 1 Bibliography
A permanent deacon brings a unique pastoral presence to a parish community. He is an ordained minister whose ministry is “service sacramentalized” through his proclamation of the Gospel, participation in liturgy, and dedication to ministries of charity and justice.
The formation of permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is a process that normally takes five years: two years of “Aspirancy” followed by three years of “Candidacy.”
The formation process for permanent deacons (just as for priests) includes four main aspects: human formation, spiritual formation, intellectual formation, and pastoral formation.
The Aspirancy period of Diaconate Formation (DF) is primarily a time to discern the capability and readiness of an aspirant (and his wife, if married) to be selected for acceptance as a candidate for diaconal ordination. Admission to Aspirancy begins a propaedeutic period in which aspirants are introduced to a deeper knowledge of scripture, theology, spirituality, and the ministry of deacons. Aspirants will be led to a more attentive discernment of their call to diaconal ministry.
Participants begin the Aspirancy process with a five-day “Kerygma Retreat” designed to provide an orientation to the spiritual and human dimensions of formation. The retreat also provides an opportunity for the participants, formators, and staff to become familiar with one another.
Throughout the year, formation sessions are generally held every other Saturday, with only a few weekend-long or Sunday programs (see the detailed “Schedule” below). Saturday sessions will include a bilingual Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer (together with the Year 2 Aspirant couples). Some morning and afternoon sessions will continue to explore aspects of human and spiritual formation. Others will focus on intellectual formation, including biblical, theological, and liturgical elements, with an overview of the Catholic Faith (as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church) and on our life as disciples of Jesus Christ (as based especially on the Gospels).
While some aspects of aspirant formation may be linked with other lay apostolate formation programs and offices of the archdiocese, aspirant formation is a distinctive program that provides a thorough discernment of a call or vocation to diaconal ministry. During this period the aspirant is not yet a “candidate” for Holy Orders.
Using a combination of presentations, prayer experiences, assigned readings and written responses, and other individual and group activities, the Aspirancy years focus on deepening prayer and spirituality to discern the call to ministry more clearly. Resources used include books, articles, online texts, and cell phone apps, as listed on the “Bibliography” and the “Schedule.” Some items are available at no cost; some will be provided by the DF office; others are to be purchased by the individual aspirants.
Punctual attendance is mandatory at all formation sessions, since each meeting is an integral and important part of the formation process for both the candidates and their spouses.
Foreseeable absences must be discussed with the Facilitators ahead of time to establish the acceptable reasons (e.g., family weddings or funerals) for missing all or part of any session.
Unforeseeable absences (e.g., serious illnesses, traffic accidents) must also be reported as soon as possible. In either case, please write a short notice mentioning the date and the reasons for the absence, which will be put in your file. If you miss a day (or a half-day) for any reason, you are still responsible for submitting any assignments to your Facilitators as soon as possible.
Laptop computers, tablets, and cellphones are not to be used during class, except when you are giving a presentation or when explicitly permitted or requested by an instructor. Recordings of sessions and discussions are not permitted to protect the confidentiality of our conversations.
Several reading assignments are listed on the “Schedule” for each Saturday session. These should be done in advance of each session, so you will better understand the presentations and be able to participate fully in the discussions. You will also be asked to write a “Response Paper” in advance of each session, as well as some other written “homework” assignments.
All written assignments must be done on a computer or word processor and submitted by email (or uploaded to a designated Dropbox) no later than 8:00 am the day it is due, and a hard copy must also be brought to class for discussions. Some documents that require personal signatures must be submitted in printed and original form. Everyone’s work must be free of plagiarism or other dishonest academic practices. All work is to be done completely by the individual (or group) whose name(s) appear(s) on the paper. No one may do the work of another or allow another to copy from his or her work. Academic dishonesty may be grounds for dismissal from the program.
Each meeting will include assigned readings, all of which must be done before class. Some of the readings will also require a one-page written response, as mentioned in the “Schedule.”
Each “Response Paper” must be single-spaced, using 12-point font and 1” margins, written in the first-person singular (“I”, not “we” or “they”), and include the following three elements:
Some aspects of the DF program are not limited to one specific day, but rather will be done throughout the year. More information will be provided on separate handouts for the following:
Pastoral Project on Marriage – Getting to know what marriage preparation and marriage support programs are available in your parish and in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
“Thick Description” of Your Parish – Getting to know your own parish much better, including the history, people, programs, and processes that make up your faith community.
Liturgical Ministries – Serving your parish (if possible) as a Lector and/or Eucharistic Minister.
Individual Spiritual Direction – Learning what “Spiritual Direction” is, why it is important in diaconal formation, and getting started with an individual spiritual director.
Witness Talks – Preparing a brief personal talk (only 5-7 minutes) with some background on your life and spiritual journey; telling the story of how you came to be in this DF program.
These will usually be given just before Evening Prayer. They will be scheduled and prepared in advance, with at least some written notes, but not simply read or given spontaneously.
Growth Contracts – Each individual will set some personal goals for his or her human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral growth in each year of formation. The contracts will be reviewed twice a year by your Facilitator and the DF staff to help you progress in meeting your goals.
Emails sent to DF staff and facilitators regarding readings, assignments, deadlines, etc. will normally be replied to within two business days (excepting weekends and holidays).
Assignments, presenters, dates, and locations listed in this syllabus are subject to change.
Any changes or additions will be announced during our regular sessions and/or by email.
See also: Aspirancy Homepage | Year 1 Sessions | Year 1 Bibliography