ADVISE & DISCLAIMER This slide show was compiled by Deacon Joe Sandrini in December, 2015 for the sole purpose and benefit of instructing inquiring men from the Diocese of Cheyenne in the Diocese s Diaconal Formation Program. Much of the material, pictures and quotes contained herein have been borrowed from a variety of sources with only implied permission. Citations of sources are not included on the slides due to limited space, but are available by contacting Deacon Joe Sandrini. As such, no permission is given or implied for individuals beyond the Diocese of Cheyenne to use or disseminate any content from this slide show. Please respect this request as nothing contained herein has been (or is intended) to be used by any other individuals, or for any type of commercial use or profit; but rather, only for providing background information to men interested in possibly serving the Diocese of Cheyenne as permanent deacons.
Introduction to the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the Diocese of Cheyenne I am among you as the one who serves (Lk 22:27)
Purpose / Why are we here today? Have an interest in & possible call to the permanent diaconate. Brief introduction to the order, ministry and life of deacons. The status of the permanent diaconate in the Diocese. PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FORMATION PROGRAM
Order of Deacons Who Are Deacons? Clerics ordained to diakonia diakonos = servant Early Church Acts 6: 1-7 Men configured by the Holy Spirit to the service of the People of God in communion with the bishop and his priests. Organic Growth in Ministries Middle Ages Order Gradually Suppressed Transitional Diaconate Retained Vatican II Perm. Diaconate Reestablished» Pastoral & Theological» Minor orders & subdeacon suppressed
Order of Deacons - A UNIQUE MINISTRY OF SERVICE - The diaconate is conferred through a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit (ordination), which brings about in the one who receives it a specific conformation to Christ, Lord and servant of all. strengthened by sacramental grace, they are dedicated to the people of God in a service of the liturgy of the word and of charity. To be attracted to the diaconate is by its very nature to be attracted to the actions of Christ the Servant. Deacons Should be an Icon of Christ the Servant
Three Fold Ministry The munera, or public works provided for the benefit of the people, proper to the ordained ministry of diakonia WORD The Deacon is an evangelizer and teacher. Called to proclaim the Scriptures and exhort the people. Sent to announce the Gospel and make disciples of Christ. LITURGY The Deacon as sanctifier. Point of departure and arrival in the Eucharist. CHARITY AND JUSTICE Christ the servant made present in the world Ministry most characteristic of the deacon. The Deacon as witness and guide.
WORD Evangelizer and teacher Liturgy of the Word Gospel Homily Catechetical Instruction Religious Formation Sacramental Prep. Retreats and Programs Convey the Word / Leaven in the World At home, work, and in the world Counseling & Spiritual Direction With special training.
LITURGY Service Through Sacrifice Eucharist Penitential rites Gospel / Homily General Intercessions Offerings Assist with Eucharist Invitation to sign of peace Communion Dismissal Baptism Weddings Funerals and Associated Liturgies Viaticum / Communion Liturgies of the Word & Communion SCAP Adoration & Benediction Public rites of blessings Liturgy of the Hours The deacon is the sign of connection between the Eucharistic table and hungers of God s children: * Church s diaconal character and mission. * Summit towards which the activity of the Church is directed. * Fount from which the Church s power flows
CHARITY Service Sacramentalized Sacramental Sign of Christ the Servant At the altar deacon s service begins and returns Word Liturgy Charity Rooted in servant at table of the poor Liturgical roles (needs & desires of people) Poor to the Church / Church to the poor Actions in the world make it real Heart of the Diaconate Servant Mysteries of Christ I am among you as one who serves Dedication to works of charity and assistance Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy Driving force for service & justice
The Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Cheyenne Facts and Figures 28 Perm. Deacons 1 Trans. Deacon 6 Retired Deacons 2 Perm. Deacons on other status BISHOP S VISION EMPHASIS ON CHARITY & SERVICE Deacons to be leaven in the world. Focused on social justice & living out the call to help marginalized. Agents of the New Evangelization. Unpaid Ministry
Who is Called? The qualities of a deacon Heart of Service Desire to be the servant and not the master. Gal. 2:20 It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. Love of servant mysteries of Christ draws into unity with Christ s love for the lost. Desire to know the needs of others and then meet them. Not just a moral response. Generous Stewardship Emptied of self concern Willingness to purify one s intention: It is not natural for us to be self-forgetful in service Not quantity of acts, but fidelity to character of service. Desire to be nourished by Christ and then sent. Dedication of time and energy
Who Can Become a Permanent Deacon? Canonical Requirements Confirmed Catholic man at least 25 (single) or 35 (married). Not canonically impeded Suitable for Holy Orders Consent of his wife, if married. Freedom to be ordained & request ordination Properly formed (3 yr. min). Instructed in rights and obligations (understanding) In, or able to enter into a valid marriage. Proceed through Candidacy, Lector & Acolyte. Assumption of celibacy Pre-ordination retreat (5 day min)
Irregularities for Reception of Orders (Perpetual Impediments Canon 1041) Commission of apostasy, heresy, or schism Attempted any marriage while either party impeded Voluntary homicide or procurement of an abortion, including positively cooperating in either Dispensations reserved to the Holy See Mutilating oneself or another gravely and maliciously tats, piercings & vasectomies Attempting suicide Simulation of an act of orders Bishop may dispense Amentia / Psychic illness Non-starter
Simple Impediments to Orders (Canon 1042) Having a wife, unless destined for the permanent diaconate, in which case the candidate must have the consent of his wife Dispensation reserved to the Holy See Occupation and activities which are unbecoming or foreign to being a cleric. Canons 285 & 286 Recent convert 5 yr. min (Dioc.) Bishop may dispense http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/vocations/pdfs/impediments_to_holy_orders.pdf
Suitability for Ordination Canon 1029 Have an integral faith. Be moved with the right intention. Have the requisite knowledge. Possess a good reputation. Endowed with integral morals and proven virtues. Posses the physical and psychic qualities needed to exercise the ministry. Suitability developed & evaluated throughout formation. Bishop - final arbiter, in consultation with the Formation Board.
Diaconal Formation Board Bishop is the head Delegated responsibility to Director of Formation in college with Formation Board, and assisted by others. Dcn. Vernon Dobelmann, Director of Pastoral Ministries Fr. Steve Titus, Vocations Director Fr. Lucas Simango, Pastor, St. Anthony s Dcn. Joe Bush, Director of Deacons Liaisons to wives Kathryn Archbold Betsy Penwell
Who Can Become a Permanent Deacon? Diocesan Requirements http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/vocations/pdfs/diaconal%20formation%20program%20requirements_approved_bpe.pdf Track record of service Domicile in Wyoming H.S. grad. / G.E.D. 60 yrs. old or younger Commitment of time Recommendation of Pastor Stable marriage - 5 yr. min. Wife Catholic (Sept. 2017) Celibate single - 5 yr. min. 5 yrs. since conversion or return to Faith Knowledge & understanding of service role of the deacon Demonstrated spiritual and prayer life, which grows during formation Background check & SET Fundamental understanding of Bible and CCC Forms, applications & interviews / evaluations Attendance at all gatherings All course work with 2.5 GPA. Other program requirements Supervised Pastoral Ministry Spiritual Direction
Pathway to Ordination Inquiry Aspirant Candidate (Instituted Lector) (Instituted Acolyte) Ordination
What Does the New Diaconal Formation Look Like in Our Diocese? Inquiry (1 yr. 2015-16) Exploring the Call Aspirancy (2 yrs. 2016-18) Propaedeutic Period Candidacy (Fall 2018) Formation Continues Lector (2019) Acolyte (2020) Ordination ( June 2021) Grace to Minister.
Diaconal Formation The process, programs and experiences through which a man actively discerns a vocation to the permanent diaconate; while at the same time being formed intellectually, spiritually, pastorally and humanly for diaconal ministry. Begins with Aspirancy. It is also the period during which the Church not only prepares such a man for ordination to permanent diaconate, but continues to actively discern if he is in fact truly called to and suitable for this ministry.
Diaconal Formation Program Aspirancy & Candidacy Built Upon Four Pillars of Formation 1. Human: Becoming a bridge and not obstacle to Christ. Fr. Steve Titus 2. Spiritual: Developing new life received in Baptism. Fr. Lucas Simango 3. Intellectual: Acquiring knowledge for spirituality & ministry. Dcn. Joe Sandrini 4. Pastoral: Becoming configured to the diakonia of Christ. Dcn. Vernon Dobelmann
What should I (we) be doing now? Period of Inquiry Inquirer / Inquiry: A man who, with his family, is actively engaged in learning about the formation, ministry and life of permanent deacons. Time for such a man and his family to discern if he is called to apply for admission to diaconal formation. It is normally comprised of a period of about one year immediately preceding admission to formation.
INQUIRY What should I (we) be doing now? Learn more about the life and ministry of deacons. Visit with pastor, priests, deacons, wives of deacons and don t forget wife and family + friends.
INQUIRY What should I (we) be doing now? Prayer & Reflection Beginning Discernment Am I at least called to look into this more / maybe apply for admission to Aspirancy? http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/vocations/ pdfs/period%20of%20inquiry_11-11-15.pdf Deacon Joe Sandrini 307-275-0641 (c) 307-746-2102 (h) jsandrini@dioceseofcheyenne.org Forms and applications Due May 1, 2016 electronic and hard copy Contact me with any questions, concerns, etc
Aspirancy What? Propaedeutic period (introductory studies) Yr. 1. Plus, first year of formal study and discernment. Ministry, life and spirituality of the permanent diaconate are explored more fully. Active effort is begun to discern a vocation to Holy Orders. http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/vocations/pdfs/aspirancy_syllabus_tentative(revised).pdf
Aspirancy Who? Men beginning formation for the permanent diaconate and their wives, if married. Qualified men who have applied for admittance to Formation and been accepted and invited by the Bishop. Applications Due May 1, 2016 http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/vocations/pdfs/application%20material%20required.pdf Application does not guarantee acceptance Invitations to Aspirancy out by mid July, 2016
Aspirancy When? September, 2016 through May, 2017 Second weekend of each month Sept. through March Sat. 10 AM through Sun. ~ 3PM April and May (Intro. to Philosophy course) Fri. 7PM through Sun. ~ 3PM Men continue as Aspirants through their first year of formal formation (Sept. 17 May 18)
Aspirancy Where? St. Anthony s in Casper Shepherd s Staff meeting room, or old KOC hall depending on size of class. St. Meinrad s by extension
Aspirancy How much time & money No Tuition Travel, Lodging & Meals:??? May have some lodging provided by St. Anthony s. Hope to provide most meals through St. Anthony s Books & Supplies:??? ($300 + depending) Liturgy of the hours (Christian Prayer or 4 vol. set) Books and classroom supplies Computer & internet service Time commitment: Attendance at all weekends (men) One unexcused absence or two excused may be grounds for dismissal 18 hrs. supervised pastoral ministry (Oct. 1 June 1) Spiritual Direction ~ once a month (begins in Jan. 2017) Reading and reflection time (est. 5-10 hr. per mo.)
Aspirancy Why? Besides learning more about the life and ministry of the permanent deacon, it initiates the Church s process of forming a man for this ministry; and begins the formal evaluation of the genuineness of such a man s perceived vocation and his ability and propensity to serve in the clerical state of deacon. Application material for Candidacy Interviews & Evaluations (personal & board) Psychological Testing & Evaluations
Formal Formation 2 nd Yr. Aspirants Candidacy Ordination What? It is a period during which such a man is formed intellectually, spiritually, pastorally, and personally to serve in the order of deacon. It is also a continued period of intense discernment and evaluation by both the candidate and the Church to assess the genuineness of a man s perceived vocation and his potential ability and propensity to serve in the clerical state of deacon.
Formal Formation 2 nd Yr. Aspirants Candidacy Ordination August, 2017 through June, 2021 Second weekend of each month (Aug June) Fri. 7PM through Sun. ~ 3PM August (retreat) Sept. June (class) http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/vocations/pdfs/tentative%20formation%20class%20schedule.pdf Homiletics, Year 3 ( perhaps beginning of Yr. 4 - TBA) Last class was in June in Casper 3 weekends. Couple days / Women s Retreats TBA
Formal Formation Why? Canon Law and USCCB require it. Need to configure men for the permanent diaconate in the image of Christ the Servant. Time for Candidates, their families, and communities to discern the call to diakonia together with the Church. Ongoing evaluation of the genuineness of such a man s perceived vocation and his potential ability to serve in the clerical state of deacon. Annual Evaluations & Interviews
Formal Formation Where? St. Anthony s in Casper Shepherd s Staff meeting room, or old KOC hall depending on size of class. St. Meinrad s by extension
Formal Formation How much time & money Tuition TBA, depends upon class size Last class: $1,000 to $1,200 per year Travel On your own for all, carpooling encouraged Lodging & Meals: May have some lodging provided by St. Anthony s. Hope to provide most meals through St. Anthony s Books & Supplies: Liturgy of the hours (4 vol. set); CCC; Bible(s) Books and classroom supplies (est. $25 to $100 per mo.) Computer & internet service Time commitment: Attendance at all weekends & retreats Spiritual Direction once a month 36 hrs. supervised pastoral ministry ea. year. Reading & assignments (est. 20 to 40 hr. per mo.)
Candidate Who? A man admitted to candidacy for reception of Holy Orders (in this case the permanent diaconate) through the Rite of Candidacy after having been invited by the Bishop. No expectation of being invited. Requires consent of married man s wife. Preceded by a retreat in August, 2018 Formalized status (public recognition)
What about the wives in all of this? The role of the deacon s wife in the Catholic Church is participatory and supportive. It is not a passive role in which a wife can have little or no involvement. However There are very few official requirements of the wife but many unwritten expectations.
General Requirements In deciding to pursue a diaconal vocation, a married man must comply with the wishes of his wife, in a spirit of mutual commitment and love. A married man cannot be considered for the diaconate without the written consent of his wife.»application (USCCB)»Candidacy (Diocesan)»Ordination (Canon Law)
General Guidelines for Wives of Deacons Wives are free to determine the extent of their involvement in their husband s ministry. Consideration must be given to a family s economic situation and general well being. Commitments to wife and family have clear priority over ministry (communication and understanding). Two way communication between Diocese and deacon s wives is crucial. Director of Deacons (Dcn. Joe Bush) Liaisons (Kathy & Betsy) & Director of Diaconal Formation
Diocesan Requirements and Expectations for Wives http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/vocations/pdfs/requirements%20and%20expectations%20of%20wives_approved_bpe.pdf The Personal Stuff Bridge and not an obstacle to Christ. Enhance, not detract from Husband s ministry. Catholic (active) Start of 2 nd year (Sept. 2017) Understanding of diaconal formation and ministry Time commitments Costs Impacts to family life The Formal Stuff Background Check & SET Forms & Applications Interviews: Board, as couple & ~ alone Liaisons (alone) Any requested diagnostic exams or interviews No writing, significantly editing, correcting, or completing any course work for husband.
Other Requirements of Wives During Formation Attend majority of Aspirancy weekends (Sept., 2017 May, 2018). April & May excluded, but encouraged Subsequent to Aspirancy - attendance at formation optional, but encouraged May be limited by space Attend all couple days and retreats for couples. (TBA) Attend all retreats exclusively for wives. (TBA) An unexcused absence during the formation period or a couple of excused absences in one year may call into question a wife s support for her husband s formation and ministry.
IS IT FOR YOU? (VOCATION AND DISCERNMENT) Discernment is the process that helps a man and his family identify whether or not the diaconate is a way of contentment and sustained happiness. Feelings of attraction towards the diaconal vocation must be discerned, not immediately confirmed Desire is important; but more importantly - what is the root of that desire? Peace that fills your soul and leads you to acts of charity, a more sure faith, and a deeper trust in Christ.
Discernment to make distinctions (from discernere - to separate or cut away) In order to discern a call to the diaconate, a man must first listen to what he truly loves He must distinguish between the attraction to help out around the parish and the weighty invitation from Christ: will you allow me to live my servant mysteries over again in your own flesh He has to ask himself, Do I have the capacity to listen for pain in the human heart and respond with relief for that pain from within the heart of the Church? He must discover what brings true peace to his life and that of his family.
IS IT FOR YOU? Desiring to live out the servant mysteries of Christ Inquiry: Am I called to at least look into the diaconate / apply? Aspirancy (step 1): Am I at least called to apply / begin formation? Aspirancy through Ordination Continual : Am I being drawn in to Christ s very being for others? Am I developing the ability to live out Christ s availability to others? Where do I spend my time; and when am I most at peace? In the popular lifestyle, or in the abundant life Christ promised (cf. Jn 10:10)?? What are my intellectual and evangelical interests? What are the Church and others telling me?
I Feel Called But I Don t Feel Like I m Good Enough
Atelophobia The fear of not being good enough or imperfection
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. (1 Cor. 15:29) To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. (Col. 1:29)
Grace & Words at Ordination Never allow yourselves to be turned away from the hope offered by the Gospel. Now you are not only hearers of this Gospel but also its ministers. Holding the mystery of faith with a clear conscience, express by your actions the Word of God which your lips proclaim, so that the Christian people, brought to life by the Spirit, may be a pure offering accepted by God. Then on the last day, when you go out to meet the Lord you will be able to hear Him say, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.
QUESTIONS?