Erie Diocese Diaconal Formation Program

Th Erie Diocese Formation Program is developed in conformity with the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States of America (2021). It also draws components from the best pastoral formation programs in the literature and as documented by the National Association of Deacon Directors.

The primary goal of formation is to prepare men for ordination to the Permanent Diaconate, and to prepare them for service in the ministries of deacon assistant in parish communities, pastoral life coordinators/administrators, and in a variety of chaplaincy roles within the Diocese of Erie.

Deacon formation is a five-year program with two phases: Aspirancy for two years and Candidacy for three. It is preceded by six months of inquiry activities.  During the five years there is a monthly formation weekend from September through May. These weekend gatherings run from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon and are held at the Saint Mark Catholic Center.

Each year includes formation in the spiritual, pastoral, intellectual and human dimensions. Responsibility for the intellectual dimension is shared with Gannon University.   As part of formation, there are three online courses each year provided by Gannon University from year one through year four that culminates in a Masters of Pastoral Theology Degree.

Our Saturday evening activities include a trip to local parishes to attend weekend liturgies, followed by an evening Fireside Chat with guest speakers from various ministries within the Erie area.  Speakers will include Bishop Persico and Erie Diocese leadership, leaders of groups such as the Erie City Mission, AA and NA, prison ministry, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other Christian denominations involved in service activities.

All incurred costs of the formation program are covered by the Diocese of Erie and there is no cost beyond books and class supplies for the candidates.

Our hope is that you will consider donating to help defray the costs of our five-year program.

We also welcome any contributions in honor or memory of Deacons living or deceased within the Diocese of Erie Deacon Community. 

Gifts may also include gestures of support for our any of our Aspirants participating in their formation journey. 

The gift is always in the giving.      -Tom

Deacon Thomas G. McAraw,  Director of the Permanent Diaconate