The following requirements must be achieved prior to acceptance into the four- year formation process.
Personal Requirements
Be a baptized man who is confirmed;
Be a practicing Roman Catholic for at least the last 6 years;
Be a U.S. citizen or a legal, permanent resident at the time of admission with a working knowledge of English;
Meet the canonical requirement and Archdiocesan norm that a man is ordained between the ages of 35 and 60;
Enjoy good physical and mental health with no condition which would impede diaconal ministry;
Have successfully completed high school and be able to handle the college level course work;
Possess financial security with a history of steady employment in a position that does not require frequent travel or reassignment; deacons in the Archdiocese of Baltimore do not receive financial compensation for their ministry.;
Be a registered parishioner within the Archdiocese of Baltimore;
Possess a stability in your life regarding career, family relationships, etc. which is in concert with the church’s values;
Family Requirements
If married, be married at least six years and live in a stable and valid marriage, enjoying the full support of your spouse, and become celibate if your wife precedes you in death;
If single, enjoy a stable settled life with a history of healthy relationships, and understand the implications of and living the charism of celibacy;
Enjoy with your family a good reputation within the community; be able to give the time required for study and service without detriment to your family;
Ministry Requirements
The CORE (Curriculum of the Church Leadership Institute CLI) in addition to registering in one of the Basic Ministry Tracks. (For more information regarding CLI please call 410.547.5470). (may be concurrent with Aspirancy);
be willing and able to make a life-long commitment to serve the Church of Baltimore as determined by the Archbishop of Baltimore;
Be willing to promise obedience to the Archbishop of Baltimore and be willing to accept any pastoral assignment that may be given to you by the Archbishop;
Be presently active in the church and be recognized and accepted as a leader within the community;
Be highly recommended by those who have worked with you in ministry and can attest to your potential to be an ordained minister in the Church.
*The Deacon Formation Team will consider equivalencies or exceptions for any of these requirements.
The Division of Clergy Personnel (Office of Deacon Formation) is hosting two information sessions for all potential men (spouse is welcome and encouraged to attend) considering the permanent diaconate.
Nov. 8 – St Mary’s Seminary and University, 5400 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210 10 a.m. –noon
Nov. 10 – St Joseph Parish, 17630 Virginia Avenue (at Halfway Blvd), Hagerstown, MD 21740, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
RSVP to Cindy Orr: 410-547-5550 or corr@archbalt.org or Father Patrick Carrion (pcarrion@archbalt.org), please state which session.