Search
-
October 19, 2023Many men feel a call from God to serve the Church through the Sacrament of Holy Orders – to serve the Church faithfully as a priest. Others feel called to the Sacrament of Matrimony – to help their spouse get to Heaven and raise a family with Catholic values. Those who enter the married life can still serve in an ordained ministry, however, and men interested in leadership in their parish can become a deacon. Men can discern that call through the archdiocesan Permanent Diaconate Program.
The role of the deacon is biblical in nature, dating back to the New Testament when leaders were first called to serve the Church. Deacon Norm Mejstrik, director of the Permanent Diaconate Program, explained the biblical roots of the ministry of the diaconate.
"In the 'Acts of the Apostles' in the Bible, the apostles called deacons to serve widows and orphans in works of charity," Deacon Norm Mejstrik said, a deacon at Saint Phillip Neri Catholic Church in Midwest City, and director of the Permanent Diaconate Program for the archdiocese.
Deacon Norm explained the process of initial prayer and discernment with a man’s family and pastor to enter diaconate formation.
"The man would need to speak with his pastor on his interest in the diaconate," Deacon Norm said.
There are several qualities a deacon must possess, including obedience to his bishop and pastor, and accountability for their ordinary responsibilities.
"We want the deacon to have Christ as their Lord and to behave in the spirit of Christ, to be humble, and have a servant's heart," Deacon Norm said.
Those selected to continue learning about the Diaconate program enter a two-year period to determine if they are committed to pursuing a call to the diaconate.
"There are two years of discernment called 'Aspirancy,' and that is followed by three years as a candidate," Deacon Norm said.
The reasons for responding to the calling are as diverse as the candidates themselves.
There may be an influence from the Church or family, as is the case with Deacon Fernando Hernandez at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City. His father, Jose Augustin Hernandez, was himself a deacon, and his mother, Josefina, also served within the church. His pastor, Father Bill Pruett, also played a role. Deacon Hernandez was ordained in 2017.
Deacon Hernandez spoke about his father’s influence on his vocation.
"He passed away over 20 years ago but seeing him serve was a big influence on my life. He and my mother both served," Deacon Hernandez said. "Father Pruett served as the pastor at Saint James the Greater (Catholic Church), and he was the one who encouraged me to be a deacon."
Deacon Thomas Phan, a deacon at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Oklahoma City, had a different approach – one he calls “unusual.” Deacon Phan explained he felt he was not worthy of serving the Church in an ordained ministry but felt God calling him anyway.
"You have to be holy, be a good role model in civic life and religious life. You have to be in a good state," Deacon Phan said.
To prepare for entering diaconate formation, he volunteered for various positions, including as an usher, and would later be a Eucharistic minister, something he also felt unqualified for.
"I didn't feel worthy to be a Holy Eucharist minister. You're supposed to have a certain quality of life; you should be a good role model so you can give out the Eucharist to the congregation," Deacon Phan said.
He felt that God was training him to be a better person and leading him to be a deacon, and he and his family have been blessed by the decision to serve his parish as a deacon.
"This is something I never expected; the greatest gift I never thought I'd receive, but he gave it to me," Deacon Phan said.
Everett Brazil III is a freelance writer for The Sooner Catholic.
Permanent Diaconate information meetings
• Enid – St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Monday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m.
• Ardmore – St. Mary Catholic Church Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m.
• Norman – St. Joseph Catholic Church Monday, Nov.13, at 7 p.m.
• Clinton – St. Mary Catholic Church Thursday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m.
• Oklahoma City – Catholic Pastoral Center Monday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.
Permanent Diaconate Formation Program
The multi-phase formation process spans five years, and is designed for formation in the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions.- Aspirancy
- Candidacy
- Ordination
Applicant requirements
Eligible applicants are required to meet criteria including the following:- Practicing Catholic in good standing for five or more years, active in their parish.
- Demonstrated high moral character.
- Age 35-65 at time of ordination.
- May be married or single.
- If married, has been in a stable, sacramental marriage for at least five years.
Application process- Request an application from your pastor.
- Complete the application package.
- Participate in interviews by the diaconate staff, psychologist and archbishop.
First steps- The applicant will discuss his interest with his wife if married, and with his pastor.
- Contact the Permanent Diaconate Office.
- Ask active deacons about their experience.
- Visit archokc.org/permanent-diaconate.
Office of the Permanent Diaconate
7501 Northwest Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
(405) 721-9351
[email protected]
