Considering the Permanent Diaconate?

Informational meetings for men interested in a vocation to the permanent diaconate will be held on Tuesday, March 20, and Thursday, March 29.

Both will begin at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium at the Cardinal Rigali Center, 20 Archbishop May Drive, Shrewsbury.

Time will be provided for questions and answers. Deacons will be available after the meeting for additional conversation.

In a recent Review article, Father C. Eugene Morris, director and vicar of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, said that permanent deacons "play an integral role" in the Archdiocese of St Louis.

Men accepted into the five-year formation program would enter it this September. Those successfully completing the formation would be ordained in June 2012.

Those discerning a vocation to the permanent diaconate must be at least age 30 as of May 1 and no older than 55. They also must be: a permanent resident in the Archdiocese of St. Louis for at least three years before entrance; if married, in a valid marriage for at least five years; active and in good standing with the Church and their parish; in good health and free of any impediments to their entrance because of Church law restrictions.

The educational courses are taught at the college level, and men with college degrees are encouraged to attend. Men entering the program are expected to have basic computer, word-processing and Internet skills.

More detailed information on the specific admission requirements will be presented during the informational meetings.

Deacon Tom Forster, associate director for deacon personnel, commented: "Deacons perform thousands of hours of service through ministry of the word, liturgy and service in our parishes and agencies in the Archdiocese of St Louis. We currently have approximately 190 deacons actively serving in all areas of the archdiocese, and the need is greater than ever for men at this time."

Those interested in attending the informational meetings are asked to call Sue Curran at the Diaconate Office, (314) 633-2531 to have a packet reserved for them.

For more information on the diaconate, call Deacon Chris Ast, associate director-formation, at (314) 633-2532.

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