What is a Deacon?

Men who are ordained to the diaconate promise to live out the charism of service to God’s people through the Word, Sacrament and Charity for the rest of their lives. The role of the deacon is to be a helper of the bishops and priests and to proclaim by his life the Church’s call to serve the needs of others.

The deacon is the animator and promoter of what the community of faith must be: a community of service.

Diaconate Formation Program

Admission Guidelines

Men seeking to participate in the Diaconal Formation Program of the Diocese of Camden should be:

In good standing in the Church, having been a member for not less than five (5) years and in the Diocese of Camden not less than three (3) years.
An active member of his current parish for a minimum of three (3) years, with a history of pastoral and service ministry.
A citizen of the United States of America, or holding a valid “Green Card.”
In stable employment and financial self-sufficiency.
Without a criminal record.
In possession of a minimum of a high school diploma and capable of college level studies.
Between the ages of thirty (30) and fifty-fifty (55).
Married men should be married in the Church, have been married at least (5) years and, with their wives, living examples of the Sacrament.
Single men must make a commitment to celibacy.

Candidates’ Qualities

There are certain guidelines that you must adhere to in order to become a deacon.

emotional maturity and stability
personal integrity/appropriate self-knowledge
Christian holiness/an active personal and communal prayer life
ability to undertake an academic and formational program
ability to provide financially for family and other dependents
generosity for service already being demonstrated
good physical & psychological health (both candidate and wife, if married)
ability to work in a team/work well with people
good communication skills (both as a speaker and as a listener)
ability to speak publicly and proclaim the Gospel effectively
acceptance by the Christian community as evidenced by his ministry in the parish

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