Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual
5
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Deacon Steve Vallero
deacon.vallero@archden.org
303.715.3206
Deacon Mark Wolbach
deacon.wolbach@archden.org
303.715.2461
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.
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Deacon Tim Unger
deacon.unger@archden.org
303.715.3105
Pre-Ordination Formation
A
fter an invitation, the candidate stud-
ies 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 pro-
fessors in the seminary, active and retired
deacons instruct candidates in the different
courses.
Post-Ordination Formation
N
ewly ordained deacons are required to
undergo five years of supervised minis-
try with a Deacon Mentor. A part of this min-
istry includes three years of formal formation
training. Once a month during the academic
year, newly ordained deacons receive certifi-
cations, practical training, prayer, and aca-
demics to help broaden their understanding
of the ministry.
