ADVISE&DISCLAIMERThisslideshowwascompiledbyDeaconJoeSandriniinDecember,2015forthesolepurposeandbenefitofinstructinginquiringmenfromtheDioceseofCheyenneintheDiocese’sDiaconalFormationProgram.Muchofthematerial,picturesandquotescontainedhereinhavebeenborrowedfromavarietyofsourceswithonlyimpliedpermission.Citationsofsourcesarenotincludedontheslidesduetolimitedspace,butareavailablebycontactingDeaconJoeSandrini.Assuch,nopermissionisgivenorimpliedforindividualsbeyondtheDioceseofCheyennetouseordisseminateanycontentfromthisslideshow.Pleaserespectthisrequestasnothingcontainedhereinhasbeen(orisintended)tobeusedbyanyotherindividuals,orforanytypeofcommercialuseorprofit;butrather,onlyforprovidingbackgroundinformationtomeninterestedinpossiblyservingtheDioceseofCheyenneaspermanentdeacons.

IntroductiontotheFormation,Ministry,andLifeofPermanentDeaconsinthe

DioceseofCheyenne

“Iamamongyouastheonewhoserves”(Lk22:27)

Purpose/Whyareweheretoday?

✓Haveaninterestin&possiblecalltothepermanentdiaconate.

✓Briefintroductiontotheorder,ministryandlifeofdeacons.

✓ThestatusofthepermanentdiaconateintheDiocese.

✓ PROVIDEINFORMATIONABOUTTHEFORMATION

PROGRAM

OrderofDeacons

WhoAreDeacons?Clericsordainedtodiakonia

diakonos=“servant” EarlyChurch

➢Acts6:1-7➢OrganicGrowthinMinistries

MiddleAges➢OrderGraduallySuppressed➢TransitionalDiaconateRetained

VaticanII➢Perm.DiaconateReestablished

» Pastoral&Theological»Minororders&subdeaconsuppressed

MenconfiguredbytheHolySpirittotheserviceofthePeopleofGodincommunionwiththebishop

andhispriests.

OrderofDeacons -AUNIQUEMINISTRYOFSERVICE-

“ThediaconateisconferredthroughaspecialoutpouringoftheHolySpirit(ordination),whichbringsaboutintheonewhoreceivesitaspecificconformationtoChrist,Lordandservantofall.”

“…strengthenedbysacramentalgrace,theyarededicatedtothepeopleofGod…inaserviceoftheliturgyofthewordandofcharity.”

“TobeattractedtothediaconateisbyitsverynaturetobeattractedtotheactionsofChristtheServant.”

DeaconsShouldbeanIconofChristtheServant

ThreeFoldMinistry

• WORD– TheDeaconisanevangelizerandteacher.

• CalledtoproclaimtheScripturesandexhortthepeople.• SenttoannouncetheGospelandmakedisciplesofChrist.

• LITURGY– TheDeaconassanctifier.

• PointofdepartureandarrivalintheEucharist.

• CHARITYANDJUSTICE– Christtheservantmadepresentintheworld

• Ministrymostcharacteristicofthedeacon.• TheDeaconaswitnessandguide.

Themunera,orpublicworksprovidedforthebenefitofthepeople,propertotheordainedministryofdiakonia

WORDEvangelizerandteacher

LiturgyoftheWord

GospelHomily

CatecheticalInstruction

ReligiousFormation

SacramentalPrep.RetreatsandPrograms

ConveytheWord/LeavenintheWorld

Athome,work,andintheworld

Counseling&SpiritualDirection

Withspecialtraining.

LITURGYServiceThroughSacrifice

Eucharist Penitential rites

Gospel / Homily

General Intercessions

Offerings

Assist with Eucharist Invitation to sign of peace

Communion

Dismissal Baptism Weddings Funerals and Associated Liturgies Viaticum / Communion Liturgies of the Word & Communion

SCAP

Adoration & Benediction Public rites of blessings Liturgy of the Hours

ThedeaconisthesignofconnectionbetweentheEucharistictableandhungersofGod’schildren:

*Church’sdiaconalcharacterandmission.

*SummittowardswhichtheactivityoftheChurchisdirected.

*FountfromwhichtheChurch’spowerflows…

CHARITY ServiceSacramentalized

At the altar deacon’s service begins and returns Word Liturgy Charity

Rooted in servant at table of the poor

Liturgical roles (needs & desires of people)

• Poor to the Church / Church to the poor

Actions in the world make it real

Heart of the Diaconate

Servant Mysteries of Christ

“I am among you as one who serves…”

Dedication to works of charity and assistance

Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy

Driving force for service & justice

SacramentalSignofChristtheServant

ThePermanentDiaconateintheDioceseofCheyenne

Facts and Figures • 28 Perm. Deacons • 1 Trans. Deacon • 6 Retired Deacons • 2 Perm. Deacons on

other status

BISHOP’SVISION…EMPHASISONCHARITY&SERVICE

† Deaconstobeleavenintheworld.

† Focusedonsocialjustice&livingoutthecalltohelpmarginalized.

† AgentsoftheNewEvangelization.

UnpaidMinistry

WhoisCalled? Thequalitiesofadeacon

HeartofService• Desire to be the servant and not

the master. • Gal. 2:20 – “It is no longer I

who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.”

• Love of servant mysteries of Christ draws into unity with Christ’s love for the lost.

• Desire to know the needs of others and then meet them.

• Not just a moral response.

GenerousStewardship• Emptied of self concern

• Willingness to purify one’s intention: “It is not natural for us to be self-forgetful in service…”

• Not quantity of acts, but fidelity to character of service.

• Desire to be nourished by Christ and then sent.

• Dedication of time and energy

WhoCanBecomeaPermanentDeacon?CanonicalRequirements

• Confirmed Catholic man at least 25 (single) or 35 (married).

• Not canonically impeded

• Suitable for Holy Orders

• Consent of his wife, if married.

• Freedom to be ordained & request ordination

• Properly formed (3 yr. min). • Instructed in rights and

obligations (understanding) • In, or able to enter into a

valid marriage. • Proceed through Candidacy,

Lector & Acolyte. • Assumption of celibacy • Pre-ordination retreat

(5 day min)

IrregularitiesforReceptionofOrders(PerpetualImpediments–Canon1041)

• Commission of apostasy, heresy, or schism

• Attempted any marriage while either party impeded

• Voluntary homicide or procurement of an abortion, including positively cooperating in either

Dispensations reserved to the Holy See

• Mutilating oneself or another gravely and maliciously – tats, piercings & vasectomies

• Attempting suicide

• Simulation of an act of orders

Bishop may dispense

Amentia / Psychic illness

Non-starter

SimpleImpedimentstoOrders(Canon1042)

• Havingawife,unlessdestinedforthepermanentdiaconate,inwhichcasethecandidatemusthavetheconsentofhiswifeDispensation reserved

to the Holy See

• Occupation and activities which are unbecoming or foreign to being a cleric. – Canons 285 & 286

• Recent convert – 5 yr. min (Dioc.)

Bishop may dispense

http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/Vocations/pdfs/Impediments_to_Holy_Orders.pdf

SuitabilityforOrdination Canon1029

✓ Have an integral faith. ✓ Be moved with the right intention. ✓ Have the requisite knowledge. ✓ Possess a good reputation. ✓ Endowed with integral morals and proven virtues. ✓ Posses the physical and psychic qualities needed to exercise

the ministry.

Suitability developed & evaluated throughout formation.

Bishop - final arbiter, in consultation with the Formation Board.

DiaconalFormationBoardBishopisthehead DelegatedresponsibilitytoDirectorofFormationincollegewithFormationBoard,andassistedbyothers.

Dcn.VernonDobelmann,DirectorofPastoralMinistriesFr.SteveTitus,VocationsDirectorFr.LucasSimango,Pastor,St.Anthony’sDcn.JoeBush,DirectorofDeaconsLiaisonstowives

KathrynArchboldBetsyPenwell

WhoCanBecomeaPermanentDeacon?DiocesanRequirements

http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/Vocations/pdfs/Diaconal%20formation%20Program%20Requirements_APPROVED_BPE.pdf

• DomicileinWyoming

• 60yrs.oldoryounger

• RecommendationofPastor

• Stablemarriage-5yr.min.– WifeCatholic(Sept.2017)

• Celibatesingle-5yr.min.

• 5yrs.sinceconversionorreturntoFaith

• Knowledge&understandingofserviceroleofthedeacon

• Demonstratedspiritualandprayerlife,whichgrowsduringformation

• Trackrecordofservice

• H.S.grad./G.E.D.

• Commitmentoftime

• Backgroundcheck&SET

• FundamentalunderstandingofBibleandCCC

• Forms,applications&interviews/evaluations

• Attendanceatallgatherings

• Allcourseworkwith2.5GPA.

• Otherprogramrequirements– SupervisedPastoralMinistry– SpiritualDirection

PathwaytoOrdination Inquiry↓

Aspirant↓

Candidate↓

(InstitutedLector)↓

(InstitutedAcolyte)↓

Ordination

• Inquiry(1yr.2015-16)Exploring the Call

• Aspirancy(2yrs.2016-18)“Propaedeutic Period”

• Candidacy(Fall2018)Formation Continues

• Lector (2019) • Acolyte (2020)

• Ordination(June2021)Grace to Minister….

WhatDoestheNewDiaconalFormationLookLikeinOurDiocese?

DiaconalFormation

The process, programs and experiences through which a man actively discerns a vocation to the permanent diaconate; while at the same time being formed intellectually, spiritually, pastorally and humanly for diaconal ministry. Begins with Aspirancy.

It is also the period during which the Church not only prepares such a man for ordination to permanent diaconate, but continues to actively discern if he is in fact truly called to and suitable for this ministry.

DiaconalFormationProgram Aspirancy&Candidacy

Built Upon Four Pillars of Formation

1. Human: Becoming a bridge and not obstacle to Christ. Fr. Steve Titus

2. Spiritual: Developing new life received in Baptism. Fr. Lucas Simango

3. Intellectual: Acquiring knowledge for spirituality & ministry. Dcn. Joe Sandrini

4. Pastoral: Becoming configured to the diakonia of Christ. Dcn. Vernon Dobelmann

WhatshouldI(we)bedoingnow?PeriodofInquiry

Inquirer/Inquiry:Amanwho,withhisfamily,isactivelyengagedinlearningabouttheformation,ministryandlifeofpermanentdeacons.

– Time for such a man and his family to discern if he is called to apply for admission to diaconal formation.

– It is normally comprised of a period of about one year immediately preceding admission to formation.

INQUIRY WhatshouldI(we)bedoingnow?

➢Learnmoreaboutthelifeandministryofdeacons.

➢Visitwithpastor,priests,deacons,wivesofdeaconsanddon’tforgetwifeandfamily+friends.

INQUIRY WhatshouldI(we)bedoingnow?

http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/Vocations/pdfs/Period%20of%20Inquiry_11-11-15.pdf

• Prayer & Reflection – Beginning Discernment – Am I at least called to look

into this more / maybe apply for admission to Aspirancy?

• Forms and applications Due May 1, 2016

electronic and hard copy Contact me with any questions,

concerns, etc…

DeaconJoeSandrini307-275-0641(c)307-746-2102(h)jsandrini@dioceseofcheyenne.org

AspirancyWhat?

Propaedeuticperiod(introductorystudies)–Yr.1.Plus,firstyearofformalstudyanddiscernment.–Ministry, life and spirituality of the permanent

diaconate are explored more fully. –Active effort is begun to discern a vocation to Holy

Orders. http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/Vocations/pdfs/Aspirancy_Syllabus_TENTATIVE(revised).pdf

AspirancyWho?

• Menbeginningformationforthepermanentdiaconateandtheirwives,ifmarried.– QualifiedmenwhohaveappliedforadmittancetoFormationandbeenacceptedandinvitedbytheBishop.• ApplicationsDueMay1,2016

http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/Vocations/pdfs/Application%20Material%20Required.pdf

• Applicationdoesnotguaranteeacceptance• InvitationstoAspirancyoutbymidJuly,2016

AspirancyWhen?

• September,2016throughMay,2017• Secondweekendofeachmonth– Sept.throughMarch• Sat.10AMthroughSun.~3PM

– AprilandMay(Intro.toPhilosophycourse)• Fri.7PMthroughSun.~3PM

Men continue as Aspirants through their first year of “formal formation” (Sept. ‘17 – May ‘18)

AspirancyWhere?

• St.Anthony’sinCasper– Shepherd’sStaffmeetingroom,oroldKOChalldependingonsizeofclass.

• St.Meinrad’sbyextension

Aspirancy Howmuchtime&money

No Tuition

Travel, Lodging & Meals: ??? – May have some lodging provided by St. Anthony’s. – Hope to provide most meals through St. Anthony’s

Books & Supplies: ??? ($300+ depending) – Liturgy of the hours (Christian Prayer or 4 vol. set) – Books and classroom supplies – Computer & internet service

Time commitment: – Attendance at all weekends (men) One unexcused absence or two excused may be grounds for dismissal – 18 hrs. supervised pastoral ministry (Oct. 1 – June 1) – Spiritual Direction ~ once a month (begins in Jan. 2017) – Reading and reflection time (est. 5 - 10 hr. per mo.)

AspirancyWhy?

Besides learning more about the life and ministry of the permanent deacon, it initiates the Church’s process of forming a man for this ministry; and begins the formal evaluation of the genuineness of such a man’s perceived vocation and his ability and propensity to serve in the clerical state of deacon.

➢ Application material for Candidacy ➢ Interviews & Evaluations (personal & board) ➢ Psychological Testing & Evaluations

What?Itisaperiodduringwhichsuchamanisformedintellectually,spiritually,pastorally,andpersonallytoserveintheorderofdeacon.

ItisalsoacontinuedperiodofintensediscernmentandevaluationbyboththecandidateandtheChurchtoassessthegenuinenessofaman’sperceivedvocationandhispotentialabilityandpropensitytoserveintheclericalstateofdeacon.

“FormalFormation” 2ndYr.Aspirants→Candidacy→Ordination

“FormalFormation” 2ndYr.Aspirants→Candidacy→Ordination

† August,2017throughJune,2021† Secondweekendofeachmonth(Aug–June)

➢Fri.7PMthroughSun.~3PM➢August(retreat)➢Sept.–June(class)

http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/Vocations/pdfs/Tentative%20Formation%20Class%20Schedule.pdf

† Homiletics,Year3(perhapsbeginningofYr.4-TBA)➢ LastclasswasinJuneinCasper–3weekends.

† Coupledays/Women’sRetreats–TBA

“FormalFormation” Why?

Canon Law and USCCB require it. Need to configure men for the permanent diaconate in the image of Christ the Servant. Time for Candidates, their families, and communities to discern the call to diakonia together with the Church. Ongoing evaluation of the genuineness of such a man’s perceived vocation and his potential ability to serve in the clerical state of deacon.

Annual Evaluations & Interviews

“FormalFormation” Where?

• St.Anthony’sinCasper– Shepherd’sStaffmeetingroom,oroldKOChalldependingonsizeofclass.

• St.Meinrad’sbyextension

“FormalFormation” Howmuchtime&money

Tuition – TBA, depends upon class size – Last class: $1,000 to $1,200 per year

Travel – On your own for all, carpooling encouraged

Lodging & Meals: – May have some lodging provided by St. Anthony’s. – Hope to provide most meals through St. Anthony’s

Books & Supplies: – Liturgy of the hours (4 vol. set); CCC; Bible(s)

– Books and classroom supplies (est. $25 to $100 per mo.)

– Computer & internet service

Time commitment: – Attendance at all weekends & retreats

– Spiritual Direction once a month

– 36 hrs. supervised pastoral ministry ea. year. – Reading & assignments (est. 20 to 40 hr. per mo.)

Candidate Who?

A man admitted to candidacy for reception of Holy Orders (in this case the permanent diaconate) through the Rite of Candidacy after having been invited by the Bishop. • No expectation of being invited. • Requires consent of married man’s wife. • Preceded by a retreat in August, 2018 • Formalized status (public recognition)

Whataboutthewivesinallofthis?

“Theroleofthedeacon’swifeintheCatholicChurchisparticipatoryandsupportive.Itisnotapassiveroleinwhichawifecanhavelittleornoinvolvement.”

However

“Thereareveryfewofficialrequirementsofthewifebutmanyunwrittenexpectations.”

GeneralRequirements

“Indecidingtopursueadiaconalvocation,amarriedmanmustcomplywiththewishesofhiswife,inaspiritofmutualcommitmentandlove.”

€ Amarriedmancannotbeconsideredforthediaconatewithoutthewrittenconsentofhiswife.»Application(USCCB)»Candidacy(Diocesan)»Ordination(CanonLaw)

GeneralGuidelinesforWivesofDeacons

➢Wivesarefreetodeterminetheextentoftheirinvolvementintheirhusband’sministry.

➢Considerationmustbegiventoafamily’seconomicsituationandgeneralwellbeing.✓ Commitmentstowifeandfamilyhaveclearpriorityover

ministry(communicationandunderstanding).➢TwowaycommunicationbetweenDioceseand

deacon’swivesiscrucial.✓ DirectorofDeacons(Dcn.JoeBush)✓ Liaisons(Kathy&Betsy)&DirectorofDiaconalFormation

DiocesanRequirementsandExpectationsforWives

ThePersonalStuff• Bridgeandnotanobstacle

toChrist.– Enhance,notdetractfrom

Husband’sministry.

• Catholic(active)– Startof2ndyear(Sept.2017)

• Understandingofdiaconalformationandministry– Timecommitments– Costs– Impactstofamilylife

TheFormalStuff• Background Check & SET • Forms & Applications • Interviews:

– Board, as couple & ~ alone – Liaisons (alone)

• Any requested diagnostic exams or interviews

• No writing, significantly editing, correcting, or completing any course work for husband.

http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/Vocations/pdfs/Requirements%20and%20Expectations%20of%20Wives_APPROVED_BPE.pdf

OtherRequirementsofWives DuringFormation

✓ SubsequenttoAspirancy-attendanceatformationoptional,butencouraged

Maybelimitedbyspace

✓Attend all “couple days” and retreats for couples. (TBA)

✓Attend all retreats exclusively for wives. (TBA)

Anunexcusedabsenceduringtheformationperiodoracoupleofexcusedabsencesinoneyearmaycallintoquestionawife’ssupportforherhusband’sformationandministry.

Attend majority of Aspirancy weekends (Sept., 2017 – May, 2018). April & May excluded, but encouraged

ISITFORYOU? (VOCATIONANDDISCERNMENT)

Discernment is the process that helps a man and his family identify whether or not the diaconate is a way of contentment and sustained happiness.

“Feelings of attraction towards the diaconal vocation must be discerned, not immediately confirmed”

Desire is important; but more importantly - what is the root of that desire? Peace that fills your soul and leads you to acts of charity, a more sure faith, and a deeper trust in Christ.

Discernment–tomakedistinctions(from discernere - to separate or cut away)

In order to discern a call to the diaconate, a man must first listen to what he truly loves… He must distinguish between the attraction to “help out” around the parish and the weighty invitation from Christ: “will you allow me to live my servant mysteries over again in your own flesh…” He has to ask himself, “Do I have the capacity to listen for pain in the human heart and respond with relief for that pain from within the heart of the Church?” He must discover what brings true peace to his life and that of his family.

ISITFORYOU? DesiringtoliveouttheservantmysteriesofChrist

Inquiry: Am I called to at least look into the diaconate / apply?

Aspirancy (step 1): Am I at least called to apply / begin formation?

Aspirancy through Ordination – Continual :

†Am I being drawn in to Christ’s very being for others? †Am I developing the ability to live out Christ’s availability to others? †Where do I spend my time; and when am I most at peace?

† In the popular lifestyle, or in the abundant life Christ promised (cf. Jn 10:10)??

†What are my intellectual and evangelical interests? †What are the Church and others telling me?

“IFeelCalled…ButIDon’tFeelLikeI’mGoodEnough”

AtelophobiaThefearofnotbeinggoodenoughorimperfection

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Cor. 15:29)

“TothisendIstrenuouslycontendwithalltheenergyChristsopowerfullyworksinme.”(Col.1:29)

Grace&WordsatOrdination

“Never allow yourselves to be turned away from the hope

offered by the Gospel. Now you are not only hearers of this

Gospel but also its ministers. Holding the mystery of faith

with a clear conscience, express by your actions the Word of

God which your lips proclaim, so that the Christian people,

brought to life by the Spirit, may be a pure offering accepted

by God. Then on the last day, when you go out to meet the

Lord you will be able to hear Him say, “Well done, good

and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”

QUESTIONS?