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Requirements
The applicant must be between 30-55 years of age to begin the program, recommended by his pastor and be involved in parish ministry.
If married, he must be in a stable marriage and be married at least five years.
The applicant should be physically and emotionally healthy and free of any substance dependency.
A deacon must be economically stable and self sufficient. It is expected that deacon responsibilities will be in addition to his secular job.
An applicant must be willing to make a commitment to all aspects of the five-year formation program, attending monthly weekend sessions, with his wife, if married.
The wife of an applicant must demonstrate her support and affirmation of her husband's decision.
Among the many qualities and skills needed for deacon ministry, the following are minimally required:
-Prayer and desire to grow in the spiritual life.
-Demonstrated ability to work with and serve the needs of others.
-Healthy self-esteem.
-Responsibility; capacity for initiative; potential for pastoral leadership.
-Intelligence and capacity for study.
-Respect for authority and commitment to the Church.
-Balanced understanding of priorities of marriage, work, and ministry.
-Sense of God's call to serve the Church in the role of deacon.
-Acceptance of pledge of obedience to the bishop.
Procedures
If you have an interest in the permanent diaconate, please contact David Fleck, Director of the Permanent Diaconate at 701-222-3035, P.O. Box 1137, 520 North Washington Street, Bismarck, ND 58502-1137.
Email: dfleck@bismarckdiocese.com
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The official site of the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota
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