Application and Selection
Requirements for Acceptance
The selection of diaconate candidates for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles follows the guidelines presented by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. An essential principle indicated by the NCCB is that the diaconate is a ministry, a way of serving the Church, and never an honor or personal reward. The call to the diaconate is both a call from God to serve, and a call from the community of faith which is to be served. This call does not come to the individual alone, nor for his own sake. It is not a right but rather a call affirmed and recognized by his community of faith. Anyone who hears such a call must have the gift validated by the Church. The personal qualities and ministry of the deacon are primary criteria for deciding whether to admit a person to candidacy. Important general criteria include an integral Christian faith, personal integrity, maturity, holiness, regular participation in the Church’s sacramental life and evidence of previous commitment to the Church’s life and service. For married candidates there is to be evidence of a stable family life for several years before starting formation. The candidate is to be at least 35 years old at the time of ordination.
It is evident that more particular criteria will vary in accordance with the specific needs of the local diocesan Church and the general lines of its pastoral program. Hence, in assessing prospective diaconate candidates, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles selection process takes into consideration a variety of realities faced by the local church: ethnic diversity, the need to revitalize parishes, the homeless situation, other concerns of the poor and marginated, and much more.
The Selection Process
After attending a Diaconate Information Day, those who are interested may send in a Preliminary Interview Request Form. Once this and the pastor's recommendation are recieved and evaluated, the process will continue with a preliminary interview. Other aspects of the selection process include a formal application from the candidate (and, if married, from the wife); a more detailed pastor's response form; interviews from staff members and a deacon couple; medical and psycological evaluations.
A number of factors are considered as the applicants continue through the selection process. For example:
- The age and health of the man, both physical and psychological, is considered. Those whose age is beyond 60 years are reviewed more critically.
- Are they currently working in service to the church, i.e., service to the poor, the sick, the marginalized?
- Do they respond well to persons of different ethnic backgrounds and ideologies?
- Are they open to Church teaching? Are they familiar with and do they appreciate Vatican II teaching?
- Has this call come from other parishioners? Are they seen in their parish as a good couple/individual devoted to calling others to Christ?
- Will they be a deacon couple to the whole Church rather than some specific ministry? All aspects of the diaconate (Ministry of the Word, Ministry of the Liturgy, and Ministry of Charity/Justice) are considered, but Ministry of CharityJustice is paramount.
- The environment of the home. Is charity exercised there and is there an extended family that can and will assist the couple, particularly couples with young children, as they participate in the program?
- Will the wife agree to attend and participate in the formation program in accord with the guidelines from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops ?
- Do they have sufficient academic background to do the reading assignments and articulate their understanding in an adult process environment? (The program follows an adult learning model which includes presentations, group processes, and shared reflections.)
Once the applicants are considered as potential candidates, we further look where the need is most critical, e.g., that all ethnic groups are represented. If a pastor has called and expressed an urgent need, this is taken into consideration when the staff and Advisory Board meet to make the final selection.
