Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual
5
Seminary Formation Ministries
S
eminary formation for men aspiring to become deacons is run through the St. John Vian-
ney Seminary in the Saint Francis School of Theology for Deacons. The Formation Program
includes two phases: pre-ordination and post-ordination.
i
Deacon Bob Hoff man
deacon.hoff man@archden.org
Deacon Tim Unger
deacon.unger@archden.org
Pre-Ordination Formation
A
fter an invitation, the candidate studies
and discerns for a minimum of four years.
The first year is the Spirituality Year which
includes study of the Catechism and Church
history, beginning Philosophy and Pastoral
Formation, developing a life of prayer and the
universal call to holiness. Years 2-4 include
classes in intellectual, pastoral, and spiritual
formation. The deacon directors recruit and
screen men, administer the program and do
ongoing evaluation of the men in formation.
In addition to professors in the seminary, ac-
tive and retired deacons instruct candidates in
the different courses.
Post-Ordination Formation
N
ewly ordained deacons are required to
undergo three years of supervised min-
istry. A part of this ministry is ongoing forma-
tion with the Seminary. Once a month during
the academic year, newly ordained deacons
receive certifications, practical training, prayer
and academics to help broaden their under-
standing of the ministry.
"
"
The word of God spread,
and the number of disciples
increased.
Acts 6:7
