The diocese’s deacon-making process is an overlapping one, with two staggered classes each with its own five-year curriculum. The ordinations of the older class this January will conclude its formation as the other class proceeds into its second year of preparation for ordination in 2018.
The completion of the first class will make room for a fresh group of men to begin inquiring about the next formation group which starts in 2016.
Men who are curious about the diaconate are invited to attend “inquiry weekends” next year, March 13-15 and June 12-14, at parishes yet to be announced. Those who want to inquire further will be invited to participate in an “aspirancy” year beginning January 2016, out of which a new diaconate class, the diocese’s ninth, will be formed.
The diocese’s seventh class, 13 men, will be ordained in January in four ceremonies on three islands.
Class eight, whose ordinations are set for 2018, started in 2013.
The permanent diaconate is an ancient ministry which the Second Vatican Council restored to modern use as a special way for men to serve God’s people through word, sacrament and charity.
It is called permanent to distinguish it from the “transitional” diaconate of those whose final goal is priesthood.
The permanent diaconate was introduced to the Diocese of Honolulu in 1978.
A deacon may proclaim the Gospel and deliver the homily, administer infant Baptism, witness marriages, officiate at wakes, funerals and burial services, preside at prayer services and distribute Holy Communion.
The ministry of charity calls on a deacon to demonstrate his particular expertise in the service of others, in areas such as hospital and hospice chaplaincy, prison ministry or other works that help the poor and marginalized members of society.
An applicant for deacon formation must comply with the following requirements:
- Be a male Catholic, who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at least three years ago.
- Be a legal United States resident who has lived in the Diocese of Honolulu for at least three years.
- Be competent in the English language.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to do advanced academic studies.
- Have a history of parish or diocesan service and leadership.
- Is able to relate well to others regardless of ethnicity, culture, sex, religion or economic status.
- Be in good physical and mental health.
- Be 30 years old by the start of the aspirancy year and a maximum of 60, with exceptions based on good health.
Applicants must also be willing to participate in five years of formation and a minimum of 10 years of service following ordination.
Applicants must also be of mature faith and good reputation, must fully accept church teaching and must show an ability to represent the church in applying Gospel values to contemporary concerns.
Married applicants must be in a stable valid marriage for at least five years. Their wives must give written consent for her husband to enter formation and be willing to attend all formation weekends herself.
For more information, go to catholichawaii.org/formation, or call the Office of Permanent Deacon Formation at 203-6718.