In the Spring of 1969, Bishop Joseph Gossman invited a discussion among a number of people regarding the advisability of initiating the diaconate in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. By the Fall of 1969, about thirty-five men were screened and fifteen were accepted as the first candidates for the diaconate in the archdiocese. Since Baltimore did not have a deacon formation program, seven of these candidates were selected to participate in the course of studies provided by the Archdiocese of Washington. The remaining candidates were asked to wait until a formation program designed and staffed in Baltimore was available.

The "Baltimore Program" began in the Fall of 1970, coordinated by Bishop Gossman and several priests and laypersons. Eventually a program of small group instruction, facilitated by seminarians from St. Mary's Seminary, was offered at locations throughout the Archdiocese. In addition to Bishop Gossman, Msgr. Porter White and Rev. John Sewell provided significant contributions to the evolution of the diaconate in Baltimore during these early years.

In the 1980s changing pastoral circumstances moved Archbishop William D. Borders to review the ministry formation needs for the entire archdiocese. Rev. Arthur Bastress was appointed part-time Director of the Diaconate in September 1981 and then full-time Director in January 1982. During this time two lay ministry formation programs were developed - Foundations for Ministry and To Be Church Together, the latter becoming a prerequisite for specifically diaconal formation.

In April 1990, then - Archbishop William H. Keeler formed a committee to undertake a thorough evaluation of the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The committee submitted its report in February 1992. The report included a series of recommendations designed to enhance the development of the diaconate.

A thoroughly revised and updated formation program, including theological support coordinated with the faculty of St. Mary's Seminary, began in September 1993.