Diaconate

Bishop Wenski and Ordained Deacons - Year 2007.

Read Bishop Wenski's homily for the Deacon Convocation for 2007.

PURPOSE

To provide information, assignments, and schedules for those involved in diaconate formation. The information presented is the best available information at the time of publication.

WHAT'S NEW :

DIACONATE FORMATION TAKES NEW DIRECTION

As with all departments and ministries in the diocese, the Synod process was instructive, thorough and self-revelatory.  The Commission on the Diaconate, after much thought and consultation, made several recommendations, of which the principal one was to enhance and strengthen the formation process by partnering with a Catholic university.  The Diaconate Office contacted and investigated five institutions of higher learning who clearly had, or were in the process of instituting courses, which were relevant to diaconate formation.  After thorough investigation, it became clear that St. Leo University had much to offer.

Some of these reasons included:  Track record with other dioceses for similar programs; proximity to the Diocese of Orlando; outstanding faculty; cost; ease of implementation (they send the professors to our location at the Chancery); proven and extensive on-line capability; and candidates can earn college credits toward a bachelors or masters degree in Pastoral Studies.

The recommendation was made to Bishop Wenski that St. Leo University be our partner and he graciously concurred.  We began classes in August of 2006 and we currently have 6 men in their 5th year of formation and 7 men in their Aspirancy year.  Another ten candidates are completing their 2nd year of Lay Ministry and will complete their three year cycle and then matriculate into their 5th year with St. Leo and earn college credits for their 5th year courses.

Because of the same reasons for our choosing St. Leo, St. Petersburg Diocese will begin partnering in September 2007 and St. Augustine Diocese is very close to a decision and discussions have begun with Pensacola-Tallahassee Diocese.  The President and faculty of St. Leo’s have embarked on this mission as a service to the universal church in the formation of prospective deacons.

All in all, while early in the implementation, the results are encouraging.

INFORMATION NIGHTS

Diaconate Information Nights will be conducted for a new class which will commence in the Fall of this year. Please publish these dates in your bulletins for several weeks.

The Diaconate Office will be conducting Information Nights for a new class which will commence in August of this  year.  The dates and locations are as follows: TBA.

The presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will last approximately 60-90 minutes.

For further information, please contact Deacon Marshall Gibbs at mgibbs1000@earthlink.net.

Pictured Left: Bishop Wenski gives the 15-Year Award to Deacon Bob Kinsey, Dioconate Program Coordinator - December 2005

GENERAL INFORMATION: Currently, during the 2007-2008 academic year, we have 23 men in formation; 10 in the first year (aspirancy phase); 8 men finishing their second year of academic formation (via the foundation for lay pastoral ministry program); 9 men in their forth year, who will be ordained in June 2009. We have one man who is finishing his formation in Miami and will be ordained by Bishop Wenski in August 2008. We presently are screening for a new class for August 2008.

Bishop Thomas Wenski is pleased to announce the following appointment: Deacon Marshall Gibbs as Associate Director, Formation of the Diaconate Office effective April 25, 2006.