The call to be a deacon comes from God. There is no one way that the call comes to a particular person, so it is important to be on the lookout for signs and then subject the signs to discernment.
Sometimes the sign is clear and easy to see. A reputable man might be touched by the inspiring ministry and outstanding example of a good and holy deacon and think, “Wouldn’t it be great to serve like him?” Or a man might have great zeal as a lay minister at his parish, and a fellow parishioner or his pastor may approach and pose the question, “Have you ever thought of being a deacon?” A man’s wife, who has a privileged inside look at the depth of his faith and his desire to please God, might say, “My dear, I think you have what it takes to be a deacon.” Or a man might see an advertisement promoting the diaconate in the diocesan newspaper or a vocational poster and have a dawning awareness, “I could do that! Maybe God is calling me.”
Sometimes the call is more subtle. A man might be praying with Scripture and read the account of Jesus humbly serving his disciples when he washed their feet (Jn 13:1-15), or the call of Stephen and the first deacons (Acts 6:1-7), or the description of the baptism of the Ethiopian by Philip the deacon (Acts 8:26-40), and in his contemplation, feel drawn to serve as a deacon. Or a man may be living a lifestyle of generosity and service and feel God nudging him to take his generosity and service to a deeper level. Or the diaconate may be an idea that pops into his mind, and instead of being a fleeting thought that comes and goes, it keeps coming back.
Once a person’s curiosity is aroused or an inner desire begins to burn, the time has come to begin the discernment process, and there are three essential elements: conversations with God, one’s wife if married, and representatives of the diocese. Personal prayer is indispensable since the call comes from God, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit is needed to determine God’s will. A conversation with one’s wife is imperative. Her support is crucial because she will be involved in the formation process and be his partner for the entire journey. A conversation with representatives of the diocese is necessary because they handle application, acceptance, formation, evaluation, approval and placement.
It is valuable to involve others in the exploratory process. It would be beneficial to discuss a possible call to the diaconate with one’s spiritual director, a deacon, one’s pastor, another priest, others in one’s family, a trusted friend, a fellow parishioner or a coworker.
If a person would like to further investigate the diaconate in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the next step is to contact the coordinator of diaconate vocations and attend a Deacon Discernment Day. It is for men ages 25 to 59. Spouses are encouraged to attend. It is held by the Institute for Diaconate Formation at The St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. It is offered twice each year, once in the fall and again in the spring. It is held on a Saturday and is a full-day program.
The topics are: What is a deacon? Who can become a deacon? How does one discern the Lord’s call to holy orders? What is the application and formation process? How are holy orders integrated with marriage and family? There are multiple presenters. There is ample opportunity for questions and answers.
If, after taking these steps and further reflection, a person feels called by God to serve as a deacon, he is encouraged to begin the application process.
Father Van Sloun is the director of clergy personnel for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. This column is part of a series on the sacrament of holy orders.
