Permanent Diaconate
A Permanent Deacon Formation Committee comprised of deacons, priests, and lay Catholics chaired by Msgr. Michael Heffernan on behalf of the Bishop is using the National Directory for the Ministry, Formation and Life of Permanent Deacons in Canada to design and recommend a diocesan process for the selection, discernment, and formation of candidates for service as permanent deacons. This will include full collaboration of the diocesan presbyterate and faculty representation from Sacred Heart College to prepare a five year formation to prepare candidates for possible ordination as well as to plan ongoing formation seminars, workshops, and retreats. The Committee is developing policies and guidelines to assist the diocese in supporting the permanent deaconate ministry which are being recommended to the bishop for adoption in 2017.