Expert: Tom Schott - 7/28/2004

Question
You are just the person i have been looking for! How does the Catholic church select deacons? What are the qualifications and training/education required?

Thanks

Jo

Answer
Jo,

  It varies from diocese to diocese, but in most cases a guy has to be nominated by his pastor. In each parish there may be local variations on how the selection is made, how many guys, etc.

   I was ordained for the archdiocese of Oklahoma City. There we underwent 3 and half years of intensive study, both together as a class and in smaller study groups. We also had to pass several psychological instruments includind a specialized test called the "deacon perceiver." No particular educational requirements were necessary to be in the class. I have a Ph.D., but some of the guys in OKC who are ordained have not even finished high school. Our archdiocese did require that you pass a measurement at the end of training to be ordained.

   Basically, you have to want to serve the Lord for the rest of your life as an ordained person. It's a calling, as they say, and not every one has it.

   I hope this has helped.

Deacon Tom