Permanent diaconate to begin a new inquiry class

Bishop Michael Mulvey, in conjunction with the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, will begin recruiting prospective aspirants to enter formation to become permanent deacons. The inquiry period will begin with a meeting in August 2015, with future meetings being held every other month.

The inquiry period is a time of discernment for a man and his spouse (if married) to pray about a possible call to the Ministry of Deacon. Admittance into the program will commence in August 2016.

The inquiry period for diaconate formation begins with the prospective aspirant receiving a recommendation from his pastor. This is done through a Pastor Recommendation Form that is supplied by the Permanent Diaconate Office.

The minimum requirements are that the applicant be approved hy his pastor; be a practicing Catholic fully initiated in the Catholic Church for a minimum of five years; be known by the pastor and members of the parish and be involved in active ministry; be between the ages of 31-55; and, if married, must be in a sacramental and stable marriage for a minimum of five years.

Any man interested should contact their pastor or Deacon Michael Mantz at (361) 289-2343 or by email at [email protected].