Deacons Ongoing Formation

Ongoing formation is a core value for all clergy in the archdiocese. Ongoing formation is necessary for the minister to enhance his spiritual life and his pastoral, leadership, and administrative skills. In this archdiocese, ongoing formation consists of two components:

1. Continuing Education (a minimum of 20 hours per year), and
2. Spiritual Development (including one annual retreat)

Deacon continuing education opportunities need to be in areas directly pertaining to diaconal ministry, which meet the following guidelines:

1. Certificate courses, instructional seminars, workshops, or conferences
2. Courses offered by archdiocesan offices (Office of Religious Education, Office of Worship, Office of Family Life, etc.)
3. Courses offered by other diocesan offices or religious institutes
4. College courses (attended in-person or online)
5. Adult enrichment/faith formation courses offered at local parishes
6. Regional deacon meetings which include a speaker (one hour may be claimed for each regional meeting up to a maximum of 4 hours/year)
7. Self-study projects – individual reading, listening to tapes, viewing video, and other similar forms of self-learning (up to a maximum of 8 hours/year)

Please use the “Deacons in Ministry Continuing Education Log” to record your 20 hours of continuing education and annual retreat. (Fillable PDF)