What is Formation for the Permanent Diaconate Like? – James Gurney
It’s called Formation, rather than training or being taught. The process, for want of a better term, of going from being accepted onto the programme to, hopefully, ordination is about forming the whole person. There are four areas: Pastoral; Spiritual; Human; Intellectual. It’s not just learning – although that is important – the prospective deacon develops as a person.
In the early days, a Sister who will not be named, said that if she met the Archbishop she would tell him to ordain me now, as everyone knows I’m a good Catholic [??!] I thought then that was not the best idea. As I come near to the end of my formation period I am absolutely certain that would have been a bad idea. I do find that I have grown into a state ready, or as ready as I can ever be, for ordination. I can see how I would have been woefully unready a few years ago.
So what does a deacon do? There are three main areas of the deacon’s role. The Ministry of the Word – proclaim the Gospel. Preach homilies, lead prayers and services. Ministry of the Altar – assist at Mass, baptisms, weddings, funerals, a Eucharistic Minister. Ministry of Charity – Chaplaincy, the ministry of being, Communion to the sick, Parish outreach.
My impression of the diaconate formation. The richness and depth of the Catholic faith is fascinating. There is so much in the whole culture of the Church that typically you don’t see. It’s not that it is hidden, it is there. It is probably my fault for not looking!
Studying the Bible, theology and the other subjects in this formation programme is genuinely interesting. Being guided through it by lecturers who are very knowledgeable in their fields is a great benefit.
It is stimulating. This programme makes me want to learn more. For example, there is so much more that is unlocked when you study the Bible in depth.
Most of us want to develop their faith life. You can feel this progressively happening as time goes on, particularly with the perspective of ordained ministry to come.
And I have this overwhelming feeling that I should have done this years ago!
There is a lot to be done now in a practical sense to get ready for ordination. The date is set: Saturday 31st October 2026 at 12:30 at St George’s cathedral, Southwark. I am going away to Walsingham with my fellow classmates for a 5 day pre-ordination retreat. This is important, in the midst of all the physical preparations, one must not lose sight of personal and spiritual preparation.
We intend to organise coaches on the day, if necessary. Information on this to follow.
God bless
James
Diaconate Journey – Part 1