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Diocese of Honolulu | Deacon Formation Program

The Church takes seriously the discernment of a vocation to Holy Orders. Before applying to the Permanent Deacon Formation Program, prospective applicants should prayerfully consider the following canonical and diocesan requirements.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into formation. Admission is itself part of the Church’s ongoing process of discernment.

Basic Eligibility

• Be an active, fully initiated male member of the Roman Catholic Church, having received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, for at least three years.
• Be a legal resident of the United States and have lived within the Diocese of Honolulu for at least three years.
• Be at least 30 years old, or turn 30 by the beginning of the Aspirancy Year. The typical maximum age is 60, although applicants age 60 or older may be considered individually, taking health and the anticipated years of post-ordination service into account.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic studies.
• Be able to speak, understand, read, and write English at an appropriate level.
• Be able to commit to the five-year formation process.
• Be in good physical and mental health.

Faith, Ministry & Character

Because formation builds upon an already established life of faith and service, an applicant should also:

• Have a history of active service and demonstrated leadership in parish or diocesan ministry.
• Demonstrate a mature Catholic faith, good reputation, and an understanding of the Permanent Diaconate as a vocation within Holy Orders.
• Be in full acceptance of the Magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Demonstrate an ability to relate well to people of different backgrounds and circumstances.
• Show the capacity to bring Gospel values to the needs, concerns, and realities of contemporary life.

Marriage, Family & Celibacy

Married Applicants

A married applicant must be in a stable and valid Catholic marriage for at least five years immediately prior to application. His wife must provide her written consent for him to enter formation and must be willing to participate with him throughout the formation process, including attendance at formation weekends.

Because formation requires a significant commitment of time and energy from both husband and wife, couples should carefully consider the needs of their marriage, minor children, and other family members who depend upon their care.

Unmarried Applicants

An unmarried man who is ordained to the Permanent Diaconate assumes the Church’s discipline of celibacy for life. Prospective applicants should carefully discern this commitment and discuss it with their pastor, another priest, or an unmarried deacon.

Widowed Applicants

A widower may be considered for application after at least three years have passed since the death of his spouse, allowing appropriate time for grieving and adjustment.

Academic Prerequisites

Before entering the Aspirancy Year, applicants must successfully complete three online courses through the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF):

Catholic Beliefs  |  Introduction to Scripture  |  Survey of Catholic Doctrine

These courses help prepare applicants for the academic component of formation. More information about this will be discussed at the Inquiry Weekend.

Completion of the courses does not guarantee admission to the Deacon Formation Program.

Obtain your Baptism Certificate

Applicants must obtain an original, newly issued Baptism Certificate — not a photocopy.

Begin this process now by contacting the parish where you were baptized and requesting a newly issued certificate as soon as possible. If you need assistance, please contact the Office of the Chancellor.

 

Learn about Inquiry Weekends and the Application Process →