About the Permanent Diaconate

Becoming a Deacon

If you are interested exploring the diaconate or beginning the discernment process, now is a good time to get into conversation with your pastor (and, if married, with your spouse). In dialogue, you can discuss what this ministry means, where your interest comes from, what you’re noticing in your spiritual life, and simple things which might further your discernment (like prayer, journaling, serving the poor, etc.). Give this time.

The Office of Clergy Formation will post its Inquiry Form to this web page on January 1, 2025 for the diaconal formation Class of 2030.

About the Permanent Diaconate

In the light of Gospel values as lived by the early Christian community, the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Sacramento exists to continue the effective ministry of the servant Christ responding to human needs. In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, deacons are ordained for service, to fulfill a special role in the up building and activity of the local Church. 

The history of the diaconate in the Diocese of Sacramento dates back to the fall of 1977. Following the suggestion of Vatican Council II and the decision of the Bishops of the United States, the Diocese of Sacramento inaugurated the diaconate, and the first deacons were ordained in 1981 upon completion of the program of formation.

The Formation Program, which starts with a propaedeutic or aspirancy period of one or two years, includes both the aspirant and his wife. During this time emphasis is given to the discernment of the call to the diaconate. To aid this process of discernment, the study and reflection of basic Catholic teachings, Catholic spirituality, pastoral ministry and specifically diaconal service, are emphasized.

The aspirancy period is followed by a three-year course of studies and pastoral experience called candidacy. This program is designed to equip the aspirant to the diaconate with the spiritual, theological, liturgical and pastoral skills for ministry as a deacon in the Church.

As with all vocations, a man considering the diaconate must discern God’s will for his life and whether he is being called to be a deacon.