Becoming a Deacon

Basic Application Requirements

To be considered for the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, an applicant must:

• Be in good standing in the Roman Catholic Church for not less than five years
• Have lived within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles not less than three years
• Have his application actively supported in writing by his wife and his pastor
• Be at a minimum age thirty and not beyond a maximum age of fifty-nine
• A single man must be committed to celibacy after ordination
• A married man must be committed to celibacy after ordination should he lose his wife to death or separation
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or have evidence of legal residency.
• Have stable employment and a sound financial history
• Be without a criminal record
• Be of sufficient mental and physical health
• Possess a minimum of a high school diploma and be capable of college level studies
• Able to speak the English language (conversational English)
  • Note that reading may be done, and written work may be submitted in Spanish (or other language) if the applicant’s first language is not English
  • Presentations are made in English; assistance available for Spanish speakers
• If married, be in a valid Catholic marriage for at least five years.
• Able to show a history of active participation in pastoral and liturgical ministry
• Commit to be present for all required classes, days of reflection, ministry events and retreats throughout the five-year formation program
• Be committed to permanently serving the Archdiocese of Los Angeles after ordination

Applications to the Aspirancy year of formation to the Permanent Diaconate will be accepted from men who have attended the required Information/Inquiry sessions.

Interested in becoming a deacon

If you feel that you may be called to become a deacon, first we encourage you to reflect on it in prayer. Next, schedule some time to visit with your pastor about the diaconate and seek his counsel. We would also suggest that you talk with deacons about their vocation and their responsibilities to get a clear understanding of what a deacon does and is. Most importantly, discuss this with an open heart with your wife and family, if you are married.

There are many resources on the diaconte for both the men and wives of married men who are interested in the diaconate.  Time invested in a search for knowledge will help in a healthy discussion about this ministry with your family and pastor.

Sign Up for a Virtual Information Day

Information Days are held by Zoom, available in both English and Spanish. To sign up for the next Virtual Information Day, click here.

Information required:

Your Name:
Email address:
Parish Name:
Pastor’s name:

(this information is sent via email to Natalia Dubon at ngdubon@la-archdiocese.org (213) 637-7383

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