Deacon Formation

he call to service is a call to the entire community, not just a select few.  God’s plan is that we serve one another.  The Diaconate is an ordained order of the Catholic Church committed to Service.  The word deacon derives from the Greek word for service.  As an ordained member of the clergy, a permanent deacon is unlike the transitional deacon, which is the first order to the priesthood.  A permanent deacon is ordained to the order of deacon for life.

The Diaconate Formation is established by the Church to encourage, support and train Catholic Men who feel a call from God to offer their lives to the Lord in service.  Deacons serve the community in many ministries.  Deacons are official clergy in the Church, although they lead a lay lifestyle. Most are married, have families, and have secular jobs while serving the church and society. 
The diaconate continues to grow in the United States.  Today there are over 17,000 ordained deacons serving in their home parishes in many areas of ministries.  Over 3,000 are currently preparing for ministry of diaconate in the United States. 
The Diocese of Shreveport is again seeking men who are being called into service.  I feel a sense of excitement for these men who answer this call, for themselves, the church and the community they live in. 
The call to service is a call to the entire community.  The men that are chosen along with their families will need prayers, financial support through the Bishop’s Annual Service Appeal and in personal support.   God’s plan is that we serve one another, in a win/win relationship.  I believe the future of our church is in the presence, preparing for tomorrow now.  This web site is to supply information on the Diaconate, on the 5 year formation, forms, Internet links and personal testimonies.  My prayer is that you will have a deeper understanding of the role of deacons and be able to discern your call to service in our church.
For information or presentation in your parish, please call or e-mail Deacon Clary Nash, Director of Permanent Deacon Formation Program, at 868-4441.