Permanent Deacons Formation Special Collection - Oct. 6

On Sunday, October 6, 2019, there will be a special collection for the formation of permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. This collection relieves some of their financial burden for studies to become a deacon. Since 1977, 465 men have been ordained as permanent deacons in the Archdiocese. There are 189 active deacons ordained for the Archdiocese and 102 retired deacons. There are 67 men in formation at this time.

When the permanent diaconate program was initiated in the Archdiocese in January 1977, men went through a two-year formation program, with a third year of post-ordination formation.

Since then, the program has gradually expanded to five years of formation, plus three more years of post-ordination formation.

Deacons serve in parishes, hospitals, archdiocesan agencies, and other organizations. There are six deacons who serve as Parish Life Coordinators. Half of the active deacons continue to work full-time jobs, requiring them to balance family lives and professions with their ministry as a deacon.

During formation and after ordination, deacons offer their time, personal gifts and material goods to build up the Church in the Archdiocese without compensation. Their service extends into many areas of parish life, as they assist all of us in carrying out the mission of the Church.

Please support the formation of permanent deacons by promoting the special collection for the Formation of Permanent Deacons on Sunday, October 6, 2019.
 
Sincerely yours in Christ,
 
Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson
Archbishop of St. Louis
 
*Our Deacons will be sharing some words with us after all the masses this weekend.