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Formation Program
The formation program, is built on the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions. The formation period which spans the time from initial inquiry period through the application process until the deacon is ordained, is more than an academic exercise. It is a spiritual journey and a time of discernment. Spiritual theology and and a reflection on the individual's personal journey are strong components of the formation program.
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The multi-year formation program leadng to ordination as a permanent deacon includes the Inquiry phase--which includes the Application process, Aspirancy, and Candidacy periods.
Academic and Pastoral ministry subjects include:- Scripture
- Theology
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Church History
- Canon Law
- Liturgy
- Catechetical Methods
- Pastoral Counseling
- Sacraments
There are also ongoing formation and retreat requirements after ordination.
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Formation Periods
Inquiry Period
The Inquiry period of six months includes the application process and attendance at one inquiry meeting.At the end of the Inquiry period, the program staff along with the counsel of the Committee on Admissions will make recommendations to the Archbishop concerning admission to the next formation year; the Aspirancy year.
Application Process Details
The Application Process is initiated by a letter of recommendation from the pastor of the applicant's parish community. The letter includes confirmation of the applicant's status as a practicing Catholic, good standing and reputation, and that the applicant lives within the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, among other things.
I. The applicant submits or arranges for submission of the following documents:- Completed Diaconate Program application
- If married, a completed application from his wife
- Completed Archdiocesan Application for employment or Voluntary Service
- A personal handwritten statement from the applicant requesting admission into Aspirant formation indicating his willingness to serve and his ability to fulfill the requirements
- If married, a personal handwritten statement from the wife of the applicant indicating her consent for application and entrance into the program and her willingness to participate.
- Certificate of Baptism, Confirmation, if relevant, Marriage, if issued within the last six months, annulment documents, if applicable
- Proof of age
- Recent applicant photograph and of his wife, where applicable
- Seven letters of recommendation that will be submitted directly
- from Pastor
- Two priests and/or deacons
- Employer
- Three others who know him well
- Recent medical certificate or report
- Official academic transcript
- Rector report, if applicable, for applicants who have spent time in formation , including evaluations and votes he received
II. The program director and/or Associate Director will review the documents.
III. The Diaconate Office arranges for a background check, psychological evaluation. Interview with the Deacon
Perceiver and a home visit
IV. Interview with the Program Director and/or Associate Director
V. Review by Committeee on Admissions
VI. Program Staff recommendations to the Archbishop
VIII. Applicant meetnig with the Archbishop
IX. Final decision regarding acceptance into the program -
Aspirancy
The Aspirancy period is primarily a time for discernment on the part of the applicant as well as on the part of the Church, as represented by the Program staff. During this time the applicant attends eight Saturday day-long sessions from September throug May. At the end of this period, the Program staff with the counsel of the Committee of Admissions, will make a recommendation to the Archbishop concerning admission into the three-year Candidacy program.
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Candidacy
The Candidacy period runs for three years. during that time the candidate will attend:
- Monthly weekend sessions from September through May
- A weekend spiritual retreat of individual preference
- The Pastoral Ministry Program taking at least one course per Fall and Spring semester.
- A faith-sharing weekend/retreat
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Ordination, Ongoing Service and Development
Once ordained deacons are no longer part of the Laity, but are annointed and consecrated for service. Their focus will be service at the altar during the liturgy and at sacraments, act in service of the Gospel and works of charity. They are also a driving force for service in their parish ministries and influencing parishioners into greater service as they lead by example.
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