How to Become a Deacon

Deacons form part of the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church.

Deacons in the Roman Catholic Church comprise what is called the Diaconate, which is a holy order. Deacons are comparable to priests in the Catholic Church, except that they serve a mainly ministerial role and assist the priest or bishop in the liturgy. Becoming a deacon is a commitment for life. The process and length of time to become a deacon varies by each diocese, but the general steps are the same.

Instructions

1. Become Catholic. Deacons are part of the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, and as such, it is necessary to become Catholic and receive the call from God to enter the religious life before you can become a deacon. This step is not difficult if you already are a practicing Catholic; however, if you are not, consult your church's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults office for information on becoming a Catholic. Also, if you are a convert to Catholicism, in some dioceses you must be a practicing Catholic for a period of five years before becoming a deacon.

2. Review the requirements to become a deacon. Each diocese has its own requirements for becoming a deacon, but there are some uniform requirements. For instance, you must be a man who is at least 35 years old at the time you are going to be ordained as a deacon. You must also have a history of service and leadership within the Church. You may be married and become a deacon, but your wife must fully support your desire to become a deacon. Also, in most cases there is a requirement that you be married for a period of five to 10 years, depending on the diocese. Some dioceses require that you have a stable employment history. Also, in some dioceses there is an education requirement of two years of college.

3. Speak with a priest. You should also talk to a priest about the diaconate, the religious life, and whether he thinks that you would be a suitable candidate for ordination as a deacon. In some cases, you must be recommended by the priest to become a deacon.

4. Apply to become a deacon. Becoming a deacon requires additional education and attendance at religious programs. In general, this process takes between four and six years. Among the requirements are interviewing with current deacons, compiling personal information, receiving letters of recommendation, undergoing physical and psychological examinations, going on religious retreats, and taking classes at a local seminary.

Tips & Warnings

• Along with permanent deacons, the Roman Catholic Church also has transitional deacons who are seminarians studying to become priests. They are ordained as transitional deacons roughly six months to a year before being ordained as priests. Whether transitional or permanent, Roman Catholic deacons can baptize, officiate at weddings, preside over burials, and offer blessings, but they cannot celebrate Mass or hear confessions.

• Some Protestant churches, such as the Methodist Church and the Episcopal Church, have deacons who generally perform ministerial duties and support the pastor.

References

• Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany: Deacons: Discernment
• Boston Permanent Diaconate Office: Information/Resources: What is a Deacon?
• Diocese of Manchester: The Catholic Church in New Hampshire: Becoming a Permanent Deacon
• Archdiocese of Philadelphia Permanent Diaconate
• Diocese of Savannah Vocation Office: Transitional Diaconate

Resources

• The First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach: Deacon Directory