Being a Permanent Deacon is more than merely performing a function. The deacon is not a glorified laymen or a junior priest. In the mystery of God’s saving plan, the deacon is called to minister in persona Christi servi – in the person of Christ the servant. Jesus came to serve and so deacons are called by the Holy Spirit to serve as Jesus did in his earthly life. A deacon is a man of deep prayer and has a deep desire to proclaim the Gospel, preach the Gospel, and serve in the ministry of charity. The deacon hears Christ asking him, “Will you let me live my servant mysteries again in you?”

There are 5 steps to becoming a permanent deacon.  

• Inquiry
• Discernment
• Application
• Formation
• Ordination

The first step is to talk to your spouse, if you are married, to discuss whether this is a good time to inquire about a vocation to the permanent diaconate. The next step is to discuss a possible vocation with your pastor and secure his support. With your wife’s and pastor’s support, you should contact the Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Madison (Director).  You will need to meet with the Director, individually, in person or by phone. There will also be an Inquiry Meeting for all inquirers to learn more about the permanent diaconate.  You, your spouse, and your pastor are invited to attend.  

Following the Inquiry Meeting, the attendees will be invited to participate in a formal discernment process that includes prayer, reading, reflection and writing. There is also discernment retreat that you and your spouse must attend.  It is required before you can apply for diaconal formation. 

Following the discernment retreat, you may request an application to enter formation from the Director. In addition to completing an application, there is a screening process that includes a background check, Virtus certification (Protecting God’s Children), medical examination, psychological examination of you and your spouse, and interview of you and your spouse conducted by the Admissions Committee.

While supportive of the Permanent Diaconate, Bishop Hying has not currently instituted a formation program for the Permanent Diaconate here in the Diocese of Madison. Bishop Hying has selected the Permanent Diaconate formation program in the Diocese of La Crosse for men who are being formed for ministry here in the Diocese of Madison. The Diocese of Madison works closely with the Diocese of La Crosse regarding diaconal formation.  Several of our current permanent deacons have been formed through the Diocese of La Crosse formation program.

Formation weekends usually take place in the La Crosse or the Wausau area. Classes will be held one weekend per month, from September - May. The program is five years in duration, with two years of Aspirancy (continuing discernment) and three years of candidacy.

In addition to the regular classes, there is a couples’ retreat held during the fall of each formation year for both the men in formation and their wives. There will also be a men’s retreat held during Lent of each formation year. With the exception of the Lenten men’s retreat, wives are always welcome at formation events. There is Leader of Prayer training during the summer following the second year of formation.  Men will also participate in Parish Field Education throughout formation.

The cost of tuition is divided three ways between the Diocese of Madison, the parish sponsoring the individual, and the individual himself. Tuition for the 2024-2025 formation year is $5,000. Each party will be responsible for approximately $1,666. Additional expenses borne by the individual include transportation to and from formation, and any books and formation materials not covered by tuition. Lodging and meals during formation weekends are included as part of tuition. Men in formation are responsible for their spouses’ lodging and meal expenses.

In accordance with canon law, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops establishes the minimum age for ordination to the permanent diaconate at 35 years of age. The maximum age is generally 65. However, the diocesan bishop has discretion on a case-by-case basis over the maximum age for exceptional candidates. The Bishop keeps in mind the expectations of a deacon to serve in active ministry following ordination.    

Currently, the Diocese of Madison has 17 Permanent Deacons serving in active ministry under the direction of a pastor. There are also 15 Senior Deacons who are no longer in active ministry but many continue to serve the parish in which they are affiliated.

Relationship with Spouse

If you are married, it is important that you discuss your call with your wife. Together, you should discuss how a vocation could affect your marital relationship, family life, and your spiritual and financial support of the family.

Relationship with Your Pastor

It is important to have a good, active relationship with the pastor at your pastorate. If you and your pastor decide that you are ready to enter into formation, the pastor will submit a letter of recommendation to the Director on your behalf during the application process. Upon ordination, normally, you will be serving the parish under his direction. A good relationship with the pastor is not only life-giving to a deacon’s ministry, but it is also the ecclesiastical office from which a deacon’s ministry flows.

Mature Spiritual Life

Every individual discerning the possibility of a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate must have a sound spiritual life. Regular prayer, attendance at Mass, the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, regular confession, Eucharistic Adoration, membership in a pastorate, and other spiritual disciplines are very helpful to individuals who are discerning a religious vocation. It is also important to find a spiritual director to help guide you in the spiritual life. The formation program in the Diocese of La Crosse requires men in formation to have a priest (other than their pastor) that serves as their spiritual director.  

Opportunities for Service

The word “deacon” comes from the Greek word diakonia, which means “to serve”. One of the most important responsibilities of an ordained deacon is to serve in the ministry of charity. Individuals pursuing a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate should have a deep-rooted desire to serve, both in the parish setting, and in the community at large. As you continue in your inquiry and discernment, pray to the Holy Spirit and be open to His inspiration and guidance about your call to serve. Your pastor will be a great resource to help connect you with the needs of the parish, and opportunities for you to serve in the community.

Desire to Learn

The formation process is designed to help you form the heart of a deacon. Individuals discerning a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate should have an openness to learning. Those who open their hearts and truly seek to learn and grow in knowledge of the Church and her spiritual heritage will have a greater joy of bringing that knowledge to the people of God through personal interaction. The spiritual treasures of the Church, her saints, her doctrines and her disciplines are vast. The more we expose ourselves to the truths of the Church and desire to learn more about them, the more we can be of service to God’s people and help them possess that same love that lies within you.  It is our desire to learn that will help us grow faithful disciples and in turn form others as disciples of Christ.  

Yes! The following are recommended to gain a good understating of the Permanent Diaconate and your potential life as a deacon.

FAQ on the Permanent Diaconate from the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops

Visit Website

National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States
Visit Website

The Heart of the Diaconate – Communion with the Servant Mysteries of Christ, by James Keating

The book outlines what those who are considering the diaconate must possess if it is truly going to be an effective and vibrant ministry within the church, namely the heart of a deacon, which leads the deacon to a living a life of Christ the servant.

The Deacon Reader, edited by James Keating

The essays collected in this book aim to give the reader an overview of the theological and pastoral nature of the Diaconate and thus to clarify the fundamental identity of the deacon, for those who are discerning such a call as aspirants and those who are already candidates for the office. 

101 Questions and Answers on Deacons, by William T. Ditewig

His timely book provides the general reader with a clear, succinct introduction to the Diaconate and addresses the perplexing and commonly-asked questions and myths that have been raised about deacons, their sacramental identity, their functions, and their relationships.