Become a Deacon

Ottawa
Deacon Charles Fink
Coordinator of Permanent Diaconate Ministries
cfink@achottawa.ca
613-838-5025 ext. 228
cell: 613-880-7723

Deacon Bob Van de Laar
Deputy Coordinator of Permanent Diaconate Ministries
rvandelaar@achottawa.ca
613-838-5025 ext. 228

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. 

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

After 1500 years, the office was 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 formation program takes place over four years.  The first year is a guided discernment period followed by three years of continued discernment and formation where the candidate will study biblical, theological, pastoral, spiritual and liturgical topics.

Are you Interested in Becoming a Deacon
If you feel the call to be a deacon, you should first discuss your interest with your pastor and obtain his approval. Also, reach out to any Deacon within the Archdiocese that are close to you. For example, Deacon Rick Jarvis in the Alexandria-Cornwall area can be reached at rickjarvis@hotmail.com.

For more detailed information about becoming a Deacon and the Formation program or if you have any questions, please contact Deacon Charles Fink or Deacon Bob Van de Laar at the Office of Permanent Diaconate Ministries.

Office of the Permanent Diaconate Ministries [OPDM]
This office oversees the diaconal life of the permanent diaconate community [English sector] in the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, which includes Aspirants and Candidates being processed through the permanent diaconate formation Program. The functional operation of the OPDM is a cyclical series of concurrent activities. These include the following:

• The overall direct interface between the Archbishop as well as other members of the Diocesan staff 
• Conduct recruitment informational sessions throughout the Archdiocese for potential applicants to the Diaconate Formation Program and conduct initial interviews.
• Interface with prospective individuals in Formation, the Formation Training Team, and the diaconate community at large, ensuring that everyone is fully informed of any changing developments.
• Ensure members of the selection Board have conduct the appropriate interviews, as assigned. Also, convene and conduct Selection boards throughout the year for Applicants, Candidates and those being considered for ordination. 
• Prepare and manage Budgets for the range of diaconal activity.
• Continuously monitor individuals in Discernment, Formation and active diaconate ministry throughout the Archdiocese. Also, monitor and manage all administrative requirement through every phase of diaconal life.
• Be prepared to respond to any matters that may affect the welfare of Deacons and their families, providing advice and support.
• Consult with the Council of Deacons for input and/or assistance in organizing study weekends and retreats, including long range strategic plans, on behalf of the Director.
• Plan, organize, and conduct the bi-annual retreat for the entire diaconate community and provide assistance for the retreats organized in support of the Formation Program.
• Represent the Archdiocese as a member of the Ontario Catholic Association of Deacon Leaders [OCADL] attending conferences held periodically throughout the year in various locations across Ontario.