2021 Deacon Formation Information Session

The Oakland Diocese is preparing to welcome a new class of men who want to become permanent deacons. A series of information meetings to acquaint men with the qualifications and requirements for diaconate formation are being held online via Zoom due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions. Any man who thinks he might be called to become a permanent deacon is encouraged to attend one of the sessions. If married, wives are encouraged to attend.

The date and times for the information meetings:

   Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM                     Saturdays 11:00 AM - Noon

  Tuesday          January 26, 2021                   Saturday          January 23, 2021
                                                                              Saturday          January 30, 2021

  Zoom meeting link:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8745798692
  Phone Connection: 1 408 638 0968  Meeting ID: 874 579 8692#

To be admitted into the deacon formation program, a man must be at least 33 years of age and fully initiated into the Catholic Church for at least ten years prior to his application. He must be an active and practicing member of his parish community, have a passion for service, especially to the poor and marginalized, and have a deep spiritual and prayer life.

He must be in good physical and mental health, be gainfully employed or otherwise financially secure, and have sufficient time to devote to the formation program. If he is married, his wife and family must give full consent for his participation, and his wife must be willing to join him in the formation program. Single men, including widowers, must make a commitment to life-long celibacy and married men who become widowed must agree to remain celibate.

A candidate must show leadership ability and the capacity to fulfill both the liturgical and service components of diaconal ministry. His pastor’s recommendation is required.

For further information, call the Department of Clergy Services, 510-267-8356 or email CBranco@oakdiocese.org.

The application process will begin in February 2021 with question and answer sessions beginning in March 2021 that will allow stakeholders to explore the call to diaconal ministry and understand the requirements, process, and commitment involved in becoming a deacon. There will be a full application and selection process before someone is accepted into the Deacon Formation program.

Sixteen men were ordained as permanent deacons on September 12  and are serving in parishes and ministries throughout the diocese.