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Ministerial and Continuing Education |
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Training and Development for all who serve Christ and His Church |
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This program fulfills all of the requirements specified in the U. S. Bishops’ Directory on Deacon Formation for men seeking a vocation as a permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Chicago. For the English program click here For the Spanish program click here |
Summary |
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· Education and Formation for the distinct and permanent order of deacon · A lifetime commitment to serve Christ and his people in the Archdiocese of Chicago · Excellent Faculty · A mission of service to the Word, Liturgy and Charity |
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Deacon Formation begins with participation in an Aspirancy Path which lasts for one year. It is a time to discern readiness for nomination to the bishop and acceptance as a candidate for deacon formation. During this period, the aspirant is introduced to a deeper knowledge of the spirituality and ministry of the deacon and to a more attentive discernment of his call. The family is also assisted in their support and accompaniment of the aspirant in his formation journey. The wives of aspirants are invited to participate in the entirety of the Aspirancy Path since they will be required to make an informed decision about their husband's continuing in formation if he is designated for Candidacy. Once the pastor, DFP Staff and the aspirant and his wife authentically discern a call to the Diaconate, and after successfully completing the application process and the Aspirancy Path, the aspirant is presented to the bishop for acceptance as a candidate. The three-year Candidacy Path is the next step in the formation journey. The three-year candidacy program consists of human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral development. There are also field education experiences in charity and justice ministry, evangelization and parish ministry. During candidacy, Theological Reflection Groups (three to four couples/singles) meet with a mentor couple (deacon and wife) on a regular basis throughout the year. Both Aspirants and Candidates are required to have a spiritual director throughout the duration of formation. |
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Cardinal George meets with deacon candidates and their wives at the Pastoral Center |
