Deacon Formation Inquiry and Discernment Program Deacon Formation

Deacon Formation Inquiry and Discernment Program

Deacon Formation Program Bishop Allen Vigneron Fr. George Alengatan Director of Deacon Formation Policy Board Peggy Maurer Administrative Assistant Committee on Admissions and Scrutinies

Stages of Discernment & Formation

Tentative Timeline* *Subject to change.

Inquiry and Discernment Program z. Providing tools z. Burden on the Inquirer

What is discernment? z. Listening to God z. A process or journey God Church Applicant

Who discerns? z Church y. Bishop y. Director y. Formation Board y. Pastor y. Instructors/Supervisors y. Advisors y. Small group facilitators z Aspirant / Candidate y. Wife y. Family y. Faith community y. Spiritual director

Discernment and Application Process z. Tools for discernment y. Prayer and reflection y. Information about the diaconate z. Self discernment process z. Getting help

Discernment

What is a vocation? z“Finding a purpose for being in the world which is related to the purposes of God. ” z Walter Brueggemann

What is a vocation? z. Latin: vocare (to call) z. Mystery z. Personal and communal (all aspects of life) z. Primary vocation from Baptism through discipleship z. Vocation to how you live (state of life) z. Vocation to what you do (ministry)

Discernment z Who is the God we are listening to in discernment? z What is your image of God?

Discernment z. What is God’s will for us? y. Following the blueprint / puppeteer y. The George Burns “God” y. The God of our Tradition

Discernment Attitudes Necessary for Discernment

Openness z. I already made up my mind so don’t confuse me with the facts! z. Pre-conceived outcomes based on: yself-will ybiases yattachments

Generosity z. Generosity or scarcity (loaves and fishes) z. Giver or taker

Courage z. Giving up control z. Accepting the difficult, challenging and risky z. Leap of faith

Interior freedom z. Type of decision makers y. All talk, no action y. Everything but y. Truly free

Habit of Prayerful Reflection z. Can you give God 15 minutes a day? z. Examen y. Awareness of God’s presence y. Reflection on day’s experiences y. How Christ called us through these experiences y. Thankfulness y. Forgiveness y. Asking for help

Getting Priorities Straight z. What are the top priorities in your life? z. Where does serving God fit in to your priorities?

Ends and means z. Confusing ends and means z. Diaconate is a means

Prayer / Reflection z. John 1: 35 -51

Dimensions of Diaconate

1 Timothy 3: 8 -13 y. Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well. Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Saint Polycarp z. Meek z. Not lovers of money z. Honest and proven z. Servants of God, not men z. Temperate in all things z. Compassionate z. Walking according to the truth of the Lord who was the servant of all

Human Dimensions zpsychological maturity zcapacity for dialogue and communication zsense of responsibility zindustriousness zequilibrium zprudence

Evangelical Virtues z Prayer and deep spiritual life z a humble and strong sense of Church z love for the Church and her mission z spirit of poverty z capacity for obedience and fraternal communion z apostolic zeal for the mission z call to radical service z Charity/love towards all brothers and sisters

Application Process

Application & Discernment Process z. It’s a process. . . z. No guarantees, warranties or promises, implied or express, etc. z. Everything is subject to change and will change.

Application & Discernment Process z. Application Form (not until Dec. , so don’t even ask yet) z. Recommendations z. Criminal background check z. Physical and psychological exam z. Sacramental Verification z. Academic Transcripts

Application & Discernment Process (cont’d) z. Discernment Essay z. Autobiographies z. Ministry Resume z. Interview of applicant’s wife z. Consent of wife

Homework z. Prayer, prayer z. Reflect on whether you have the qualities and virtues of diaconate z. Prerequisite Check List