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.
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
The
selection of diaconate applicants for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles complies
with the document of the Congregation for Catholic Education Basic Norms for
the Formation of Permanent Deacons, as well as the National Directory for the
Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. The National
Directory describes some of the
qualities that a man should have to apply for the diaconate. They include: natural inclination of
service to the Christian community, and to all in need; ability to share one’s
faith; generosity in service; sound faith; good Christian reputation; personal
integrity, maturity, and holiness; regular participation in the Church’s
sacramental life; a positive and stable marriage, if married, or a mature
celibate state of life, if single, and a deep spirituality and prayer life.
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. Applicants must be at least 30 years old and no older than 60 years old in order to be considered.
- 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 Charity/Justice 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.)
The
procedure for formal application and acceptance as an aspirant in the Diaconate
Formation Program includes the following:
- A prospective
applicant must meet the general requirements for acceptance detailed above.
- Prospective
applicants must attend one of the quarterly Diaconate Information Days,
with their wives if married. The event will explain the role of the
deacon, the formation program, application process and answer any
questions those attending may have.
- After the information day, if they decide to apply to the program, the applicant and wife (if married) complete the Formal Application for the Diaconate Formation Program and send it to the formation office.
- The applicant sees to it that his pastor completes the Pastor’s Response Form. This is a questionnaire that asks for the pastor’s assessment and recommendation of the applicant. The pastor sends the completed form to the formation office.
- Initial interview: The prospective applicant/couple meets with a member of the Diaconate Formation
staff.
- Parish Leader Recommendation and Parish Deacon Recommendation forms are sent to two lay leaders in the parish as well as to any deacons in the parish.
- Second interview with a
member of the Diaconate Formation staff.
- Third interview with a
member of the Diaconate Formation staff.
- Deacon or deacon couple
interview: a deacon couple is assigned to make a home visit and interview
with the prospective applicant/couple.
- Medical and
psychological evaluations, fingerprints and a background check.
- Assessment by the Diaconate
Formation staff.
- Approval by the Diaconate
Advisory Board and the Diaconate Formation staff.
- Notification of the applicant concerning his
acceptance into the Diaconate Formation Program as an aspirant.
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. Finally, please
note that the application process may be terminated during any step of the process by the Diaconate Formation staff.