Basic Qualifications for the Permanent Diaconate

A man who seeks admission to the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program must:

• Be a fully initiated Latin Rite Roman Catholic whose lifestyle is consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church;


• Have a fully supportive sponsor;


• Have a strong desire to serve the Christian community and possess a proven record of successful service as an acknowledged leader in his parish;


• Have a developed prayer life;


• Have completed his 32nd year and not be older than 62 years of age at the time of entry into the Formation Program;


• Be free of any Canonical impediments to Holy Orders;


• If married, have the consent of his wife to pursue candidacy for the Diaconate;


• If divorced, have an ecclesiastical decree of nullity;


• Possess a high school diploma (or G.E.D.) and be able to complete college level work successfully;


• Make arrangements for official transcripts (raised seal) from his high school (if highest level attained), or all Undergraduate program(s) and Graduate program(s) in which he has participated to be sent to the Office of Clergy.


• Be fluent in speaking, reading and writing in the English language;


• Successfully complete a NJ State Police Criminal Background Check;


• Successfully complete the requirements of the Virtus program;


• Successfully complete the requisite physical and psychological screening process administered at the direction of the Office of Clergy;


• Supply the requisite recommendations as described in the Diaconate Application Form


• Comply, in a timely manner, with all details regarding the admission process.