Diaconate Committee
A Permanent Deacon Formation Committee comprised of deacons, priests, and lay Catholics chaired by Deacon Bill Radigan on behalf of the Bishop is using the "National Directory for the Ministry, Formation and Life of Permanent Deacons in Canada" to guide the diocesan process for the selection, discernment, and formation of candidates for service as permanent deacons. This includes a full collaboration of the diocesan presbyterate for a four year formation process leading candidates to possible ordination as well as ongoing formation seminars, workshops, and retreats.
Our diocese is richly blessed by the ministry of many priests, the witness of the consecrated religious, and by the ever-increasing role of the lay faithful in the Church's life. Deacons have existed since the time of the apostles (Acts 6) as ordained ministers who served the People of God under the direction of a local bishop. The title "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos which means "servant." By baptism all Christians are called to "service," but deacons are called to serve the Church as a public sacramental sign of Christ the Servant.
Permanent deacons share in the sacrament of Holy Orders with the bishop and priests. Through ordination, a permanent deacon is publicly acknowledged by the Church as one who is called by God to serve the community of believers and to the evangelizing mission of the Church. Like a priest, a deacon is a member of the clergy who shares in the ministry of the bishop. A deacon, however, may be married, have a family, and hold a secular job. Deacons do not celebrate Mass, hear confession or anoint the sick.
The role of the deacon is to extend the sacramental presence of Christ's service outside of the church and into the secular world. Wherever he is or whatever he is doing, a deacon serves as a permanent, public sign of Christ the Servant.
For more information, please see the email links below.
| Deacon Bill Radigan | Fr. Dominick Mbah, MSP | Dr. Doug Finbow, PhD, STD |
|---|---|---|
|
Director of the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program |
Spiritual Director and Advisor | Academic Lead and Advisor |
 |
 |
 |