A vocation is a response to a specific call that Jesus Christ places on our hearts. It is our individual way of living discipleship in the Church. Our primary call, through the Sacrament of Baptism, is to be a follower (disciple) of Jesus Christ. It is to be a holy person. Within that first call to follow Christ, God calls us in specific ways to live a vocation to the married life, the single life, the consecrated religious life or the ordained life. 

Below is more information for those discerning a call to the diaconate. 

What is a Catholic Deacon?

Deacons are members of the clergy along with priests and bishops.  The deacon’s ministry has three dimensions: liturgy, word and service.  At the liturgy, he assists the bishop and priests.  At the Mass, the deacon proclaims the Gospel, may be invited to preach the homily, and assists at the altar.  The deacon may also baptize, witness and bless marriages, preside at the Liturgy of the Hours, and preside at funeral liturgies among many other duties.

Living in the world, deacons have a particular sensitivity to the needs of real families – including single parents, students, older people, those with disabilities, the incarcerated and those who suffer from poverty or addictions of many kinds.

All Christians are called, but the deacon serves with a special grace – a unique authority and humble power.  He is responding to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  He is sent by the Church to be the presence of Christ to those in need.

How does a man become a deacon?

To be considered for the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, an applicant must:

• Be in good standing in the Roman Catholic Church for not less than five years
• Have lived within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles not less than three years
• Have his application actively supported in writing, by his wife and his pastor
• Be at a minimum age thirty and not beyond a maximum age of fifty-five
• A single man must be committed to celibacy subsequent to ordination
• A married man must be committed to celibacy subsequent to ordination should his wife die before him.
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or have evidence of legal residency.
• Have stable employment and a sound financial history
• Be without a criminal record
• Be of sufficient mental and physical health
• Possess a minimum of a high school diploma and be capable of college level studies
• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language Note that work may be submitted . in Spanish (or other language) if the applicant’s first language is not English
• If married, be in a valid Catholic marriage for at least five years.
• Must show a history of active participation in pastoral and liturgical ministry in his parish
• Commit to be present for all required classes, days of reflection, ministry events and retreats throughout the five-year formation program
• Be committed to permanently serving the Archdiocese of Los Angeles after ordination

How do I discern if I'm called to be a deacon?

If you feel that you may be called to become a deacon, first we encourage you to reflect on it in prayer. Next, schedule some time to visit with your pastor about the diaconate and seek his counsel. We would also suggest that you talk with deacons about their vocation and their responsibilities to get a clear understanding of what a deacon does and is. Most importantly, discuss this with an open heart with your wife and family, if you are married.

There are many resources on the diaconte for both the men and wives of married men who are interested in the diaconate.  Time invested in a search for knowledge will help in a healthy discussion about this ministry with your family and pastor.

When you feel you are ready you can then contact the Office of Diaconate Formation to learn more about the path to becoming a deacon.

For more information on the discerning the diaconate visit  
https://lacatholics.org/departments-ministries/diaconate-formation/

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a priest and a deacon?
   The call to be deacon is to serve.  The symbol of the ministry of the deacon is the basin and the towel, the items Jesus used when he washed the feet of the apostles, illustrating how we are called to love and serve others. The deacon brings the needs of the marginalized the poor, the imprisoned, the sick and disabled to the altar.  He sees that they are not forgotten or excluded from the liturgical and communal life of the parish.  The deacon can preside at baptisms, weddings and funerals when there is no Mass. The role of the priest is to help the members of his parish grow spiritually, leading themin ways to better love God and neighbor.  Only the priest can preside at Mass and consecrate the Eucharist, hear confessions, have authority to forgive sins, anoint the sick and the dying, and, with delegation from the Bishop, confirm.
2. Is there an age requirement?
   A deacon must be between the ages of 35 and 65 at ordination.  The process of becoming a deacon in the Diocese of Dallas currently takes about 5 1/2 years.
3. Can a deacon get married?
   A married man can be ordained a deacon; however, if his wife dies, he cannot remarry.  Likewise a single man can be ordained a deacon but cannot marry.
4. Can women become deacons?
   The Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament refers to women deacons, but they were not ordained, and their role is believed to have been different from that of men.  The restoration of the diaconate by Vatican II Council follows the tradition of only ordaining men.
5. How much do deacons get paid?
   The diaconate is not a paid ministry but, rather, is one of service.  A deacon may be hired, however, to fill the role of Director of Faith Formation, Administrator of a parish, or work in some other paid position in a parish or diocese.  In those instances, he is being paid because of the job he is hired to fulfill, and not because of his role as deacon.