Continuing Formation
Diaconal Life is a continuing process of spiritual, human, intellectual and pastoral growth spanning your active years. The principal components of this growth comprise the following dimensions.
Spiritual Dimension –
TBD
Human Dimension –
TBD
Intellectual Dimension –
TBD
Pastoral Dimension –
TBD
Retreats
According to Canon 276, Deacons, as clerics, are “…bound to make a retreat according to the prescriptions of particular law…” Each Deacon is required to make an annual spiritual retreat consisting of at least one weekend (2 nights) guided or unguided experience. It is recommended that married Deacons also include their wives in this experience for both to benefit from the spiritual enrichment whenever possible or practical.
Each Deacon must report completion of his retreat on an annual basis to the Director of the Permanent Diaconate.
Remuneration and funds are provided to the deacon according to the Ministry Agreement and Financial Assistance guidelines.
Continuing Formation – First Five Years USCCB National Directory #263
There are particular matters relevant to the newly ordained. It is important, therefore, that the newly ordained begin their ministry in a positive and supportive manner. A program is to be planned for the first five years of their ministry and coordinated by the Director of the Permanent Diaconate. In the early phase of their ministry, ongoing formation will largely reinforce the basic training and its application in ministerial practice. Later formation will entail a more in-depth study of the various components proposed in the dimensions in diaconal formation. Consideration also should be given to the newly ordained deacon’s conversational study of a second language used within the diocese and the study of its cultural environment. Deacons, as ministers of Christ the Servant, should be prepared to link people of diverse languages and cultures into the local faith community of the diocese and parish. Deacons in their initial pastoral assignments should be carefully supervised by an exemplary designated pastor or priest supervisor especially appointed to this task by the diocesan bishop. (N.D. pg. 145)
Continuing Formation – Post Five Years
For the Deacon to grow in his ministry of the Liturgy, of the Word and of Charity, he must continually avail himself of development and training offerings which can help him to be more knowledgeable and skillful in his carrying out of these ministries.
Deacons as a body of professionals in ministry must constantly update themselves with continuing formation to ensure a feeling of self-confidence and adequacy in their ministry, as well as demonstrate to the church they serve that they are professionally accountable.
These guidelines provide Deacons of the diocese with a standard method of evaluating their continuing formation. They describe the basic requirements, how to record clock hours, and when to submit reports for inclusion into their personal files at the Office of the Diaconate. They are intended to be a self-evaluation guide but reporting them is essential.
All Deacons given faculties to function within the Diocese of Buffalo must successfully complete a minimum of 10 – 12 clock hours of continuing education/formation each year.
To ensure that these educational requirements are achieved, certain criteria are established and stated here to assist each Deacon in determining the number of clock hours achieved through various modes of learning.
The scope and nature of instruction should pertain to preparation for the ministries of Charity, Liturgy, and Word. Background for, or updating of current ministry, or the preparation for a future ministry should all be included. Likewise, other courses, which aid Deacons in ministry or prepare them to better serve the people of God, should be included. For details of what is considered acceptable for continuing formation, see the Norms and Guidelines for our diocese under the Resources.
Any questions please refer to: