Frequently Asked Questions

What is a permanent deacon?
The office and ministry of the permanent deacon is a distinctive vocation in the Catholic Church. Although the diaconate is an ordained ministry of the Church, it is a different ministry from that of priests. Deacons are ordained into a ministry of service, and enjoy a special relationship with the bishop. The permanent diaconate provides a "greater and more direct presence of Church ministers in the various spheres of the family, work, school, etc., in addition to existing pastoral structures," according to Pope John Paul II.

If I would like to be a permanent deacon, what should I do?
Contact your diocesan office of vocations or, if there is one, a diocesan office of the permanent diaconate. Saint Meinrad works with dioceses to establish its programs. The diocese identifies and accepts those to be ordained deacons.

What dioceses does Saint Meinrad currently serve with its permanent deacon formation program?
In 2007-2008, Saint Meinrad offers aspirant, candidate and on-going formation for the following dioceses: Alexandria, LA; Belleville, IL; Cheyenne, WY; Evansville, IN; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, KS; Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO; Knoxville, TN; Lexington, KY; New Ulm, MN; Owensboro, KY; Springfield, IL; Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO; Wheeling-Charleston, WV; and Wilmington, DE.

Where can I find out more information about permanent deacons?
Check out the Web site of the Office of the Diaconate at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The link is http://www.usccb.org/deacon/. See also http://www.usccb.org/deacon/faqs.htm.