Becoming a Deacon

There are over 10,000 permanent deacons ministering in the U.S., and since 1976, the Archdiocese of Boston has ordained more than 200 men into the diaconate.

The deacon is first and foremost a Christian man in his usual employment and lifestyle, then trained and formed by additional study and prayer for a special ministry to the Catholic community.

To be accepted in the Diaconate Formation Program, the candidate must be at least 35 years of age and not more than 65 at the time of ordination, possess a sense of vocation to service, relate well with people, show the potential to be a spiritual leader, and have demonstrated active apostolic involvement and leadership among the people of God.

For additional information about the four-year diaconate program which focuses on intellectual, pastoral, spiritual and human formation, contact the diaconate office at http://www.bostondiaconate.org/