Bishop Zubik Calls for New Class to Begin: Diocesan Deacon Formation Program

BISHOP ZUBIK CALLS FOR NEW CLASS TO BEGIN DIOCESAN DEACON FORMATION PROGRAM
 
PITTSBURGH—The Diocese of Pittsburgh is initiating the nomination and application process for admitting a new class of interested and qualified Catholic men into the Deacon Formation Program, according to an announcement today by Bishop David A. Zubik.
 
In addition, the bishop reiterated his intent to call a class into the formation program every other year in order to prepare men to eventually serve in ordained ministry as permanent deacons and to meet the continually growing needs for their service.
 
“No two deacons are alike. Each one brings his own personal gifts and talents to this ministry, and yet all are united by their love for Jesus Christ and his Church and by a strong desire to serve,” Bishop Zubik said. “We currently have more than 90 permanent deacons in the diocese who are faithfully and diligently exercising their ministry in countless ways.”
 
In addition, 31 men who responded to the Bishop’s previous calls in recent years currently make up two classes of the Deacon Formation Program.
 
Deacons along with bishops and priests constitute the three levels of ordained ministry in the Roman Catholic Church. Deacons often assist priests at Mass, preach on occasion, and sometimes preside at baptisms, weddings, funeral services, and other liturgical functions; in addition, their ministry is rooted in works of service and charity.
 
Deacons may be called upon to minister to those in hospitals and nursing homes, jails and prisons, or other institutions. They might work with immigrants, youths and young adults, those in special need, or those on the fringes of society. Many deacons work to share the faith by catechizing and evangelizing. Some deacons have administrative duties in the Church.
 
“My hope in calling for another diaconate class is to foster the formation of men who are willing to develop their potential for servant leadership in the Church and to embrace the model of Jesus Christ’s humble, loving care for others, especially those who are sick, elderly, imprisoned, hungry, poor, lonely, and forgotten,” Bishop Zubik said.
 
The ministry of deacons can be traced to the earliest days of the Church. The New Testament recounts that, when faced with the need for help in caring for the practical well-being of the faithful, the apostles prayed and designated certain men for special service to the community.
A prospective deacon should be a man of solid faith, deep spirituality, and good reputation and character. He should be fully initiated into the sacramental life of the Catholic Church and living in conformity with all of its teachings. He also should be physically, psychologically, and emotionally healthy; generously willing to serve the diocesan Church; and capable of assuming a leadership role and working well with a diversity of people.
 
Applicants must be between the ages of 30 and 59. They should have at least a bachelor’s degree and be able to financially support themselves and their family. A married applicant must be in a stable, well-established marriage and have the full support of his wife to enter the formation program, which lasts at least five years.
 
To begin the process, a prospective applicant’s pastor must submit a nomination on his behalf. The deadline for nominations is May 15, 2018. Applications without a nomination will not be considered.
 
For more information, contact the Diocese of Pittsburgh Deacon Formation Program: [email protected] or 412-456-3124.
 
 
DIACONATE INFORMATION SESSIONS PLANNED
 
Four information sessions are scheduled for men from parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh who are interested in learning about the ministry of deacons, their service to the Church, and qualifications for the next class of the Deacon Formation Program.
 
All four sessions will take place in Domenec Hall at Saint Paul Seminary, 2900 Noblestown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205:

• Monday, April 9 – 7 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, April 14 – 9 to 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, April 18 – 7 to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 25 – 7 to 9 p.m.

 
“These sessions are a good opportunity for someone who thinks he might have a vocation to the diaconate to learn about the program, ask any questions he might have, meet some of our deacons, and hear about their ministry,” said Deacon Stephen Byers, director of the Deacon Formation Program.
 
No registration is required. Wives of prospective applicants are also welcome and encouraged to attend.