Discernment & Formation
Hearing the call and responding with your whole life
Is God Calling You?
The First Step is Prayer
A vocation to the permanent diaconate is not a career decision — it is a response to the movement of the Holy Spirit, confirmed by the Church. If you are a baptised Catholic man who feels drawn to a life of ordained service, the first step is simply to pray, to listen, and to speak with your parish priest or diocese.
Many men who are now deacons describe a long, quiet sense of being called — a desire to serve more deeply, to bring the sacraments to those who need them, to preach the Word, and to be present with the poor and the suffering. If this resonates with you, we encourage you to take the next step.
Who Can Apply?
The Basic Requirements
Baptised Catholic
You must be a baptised Catholic man in good standing with the Church, living your faith actively in a parish community.
Married or Celibate
Married men (with their wife's free consent) and celibate men are both eligible. A married candidate's wife is an integral part of the discernment and formation process.
Age Requirements
Canon Law requires candidates to be at least 35 years of age if married, or 25 if celibate. Individual dioceses may set additional requirements. The upper age limit for ordination to the permanent diaconate is sixty years of age.
Parish Roots
Candidates should be rooted in their parish community and known to their parish priest, who will be an important reference in the discernment process.
The Formation Journey
Four Years of Preparation
Inquiry & Discernment
An initial period of prayer, reflection, and conversation with the diocese. Candidates attend information evenings and meet with the formation team to explore the call together.
Aspirancy
A formal period of preparation (Year) before entering the formation programme. Candidates deepen their prayer life, theological reading, and pastoral engagement under the guidance of a spiritual director.
Formation Programme
A structured three year programme of theological study, pastoral placement, and spiritual accompaniment. Married candidates' wives may participate in the formation journey alongside them.
Ordination
After completing formation and receiving the approval of the bishop, the candidate is ordained a permanent deacon at a Mass celebrated by the bishop of the diocese.
Take the Next Step
Enquire with Your Diocese
The best first step is to speak with your parish priest, or to contact the vocations office of your diocese directly. You can also use the form below to send an initial enquiry to this office, and we will put you in touch with the appropriate person in your diocese.
Send an Enquiry
We will respond within a few days and connect you with the right person in your diocese.