Become a Deacon

The Diaconate is an ordained fraternity of service-minded men who are dedicated to the needs of others, including one another.

The origins of the permanent diaconate as a ministry in the Church can be traced back to the Acts of the Apostles (6:1-6.) Here we see the emphasis on the vocation to service, where the apostolic community selects seven disciples "filled with the Spirit and wisdom" (later to be called deacons), to serve the community's needs. 

However, by the Middle Ages, the office of deacon had all but disappeared. 

After 1500 years, the office has now been fully restored by the Second Vatican Council as a proper and permanent rank of ministry within the hierarchy of the Church.

"...Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus (1Timothy 3:8-13)."

Diaconate Formation Program
The mission of the Formation Program is to assist the Archbishop in fostering vocations to the Permanent Diaconate. To find men who already exhibit a vocation to service and are serving others, to provide an appropriate period of discernment and instruction for candidates, one that fosters a love for the needy, true humility and growth all in the context of a program of formation that is consistent with Canon Law and diocesan norms.

The responsibilities for this aspect of the office are primarily administrative in nature, however, there is direct interaction with the candidates in formation as they discern their vocational call.

Administrative Office of the Permanent Diaconate
This office oversees the administrative responsibilities for the permanent diaconate community in the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall as well as the permanent diaconate formation Program.

The responsibilities of this office are primarily administrative in nature including:

• Budgets
• Conducting interviews with deacons for placements
• Providing advice and support to the diaconate community
• Consulting with the Council of Deacons for input and/or assistance in organizing study weekends and retreats, on behalf of the Director
• Representing the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall as a member of the Ontario Deacon Leader’s Association by attending conferences held periodically throughout the year in various locations across Ontario.