Deacon Formation

Permanent Diaconate Formation Program Information Sessions
 
Might God be calling you to serve the Church in a deeper, more profound way?
Any man interested in learning more about ministry as a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Trenton is encouraged to discuss his interest with his Pastor.  Every Pastor of the Diocese has received information regarding the venue and dates of requisite Information Sessions for a man who believes he is being called to serve the Church as a deacon.  At the Information Sessions, the details of the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program are articulated and participants are most welcome to ask questions pertinent to the five year diaconal formation process.

If, after speaking with your Pastor, you would like to attend an Information Session, please register for a session by contacting Monsignor Thomas J. Mullelly at tmullelly@dioceseoftrenton.org.

Please see the basic qualifications for participation in the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program HERE.
 

Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Formation Program and the Partnership with Seton Hall University

Beginning with incoming classes starting in August 2019, the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program’s core academic courses will be provided by Seton Hall University’s Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology.  The NJ Dioceses of Paterson, Newark and Metuchen Diaconate Formation Programs are in an academic partnership with Seton Hall as well.

Professors from Seton Hall U. will travel to the Diocese of Trenton Chancery in Lawrence, NJ to instruct our candidates in foundational academic classes two evenings a week.  This program, taught on the graduate level, will allow those who qualify to earn a Masters of Art in Theology.  Those who do not have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent credits will receive credits toward that degree.   Each candidate who successfully completes the course requirements will also receive a Certificate in Diaconal Studies.

Pastoral courses will continue to be taught by selected, experienced personnel from the Diocese of Trenton further preparing the men to carry out the deacon’s ministry of Word, Sacrament and Charity. Although most pastoral classes will also be taught at the Chancery, some may be taught off-site. Wives are invited and encouraged to attend the pastoral courses.

The Formation Program is 5 years with classes held two evenings a week from August-May. It is consistent with the intellectual norms established in the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. 

Moving forward, recruitment, selection and acceptance of candidates for the Program will be done every other year. The next Diaconate Information Session which begins the selection process will be in September 2022.

Tuition and fees for the Program will continue to be divided equally among the candidate, his parish/ sponsoring entity, and the Diocese of Trenton.  

For further information concerning the Diaconate Formation Program, please review the Basic Criteria and articles on The Diocese of Trenton website (Vocations/Diaconate).