Diaconate Candidate Qualifications

Diaconate Candidate Qualifications

1. The applicant must be a practicing Catholic for five years or more. He must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and be validly married by the Church, if applicable.
2. He must be at least 32 years of age but not older than 59 years of age at the time of application.
3. The applicant must be in good physical and mental health.
4. He must be gainfully employed or retired.
5. He must have sufficient time to devote to the formation program.
6. If married, the applicant must have both oral and written support, endorsement and consent of his wife and family. His wife should be willing to participate in the formation process.
7. He must have demonstrated leadership ability. He must have capacity to fulfill the social justice ministry component of the deacon's ministry.
8. A commitment to celibacy is required of non-married candidates, as well as widowers.