Forming Deacons: Many steps along the way

Today the community of Deacons in the Archdiocese of New Orleans we received word that 25 men have been accepted into the Aspirancy stage of diaconate formation.  What the heck is Aspirancy?  To answer this let's back up a step.  Buoyed by a vibrant diaconate office word goes out to all the parishes that the process will begin again to form a group of men who may possibly be ordained, after many years of formation, to the order of Deacons.  In this case, Permanent Deacons.

A long period of meetings and carefully directed prayer, sharing and reflection will result in a percentage of the men inquiring about the diaconate to make formal application.  Once an application is filed, a careful scrutiny occurs, also over a long period of time and recommendations are made to the Archbishop to accept, delay or deny each applicant.  Once the Archbishop selects those for acceptance they receive a letter inviting them to enter a one year period of Aspirancy. 

Aspirancy is a time of scheduled classes, spiritual formation and other activities that gives both the Aspirants and the diaconate formation team to sense a calling to diakonia.  At the end of Aspirancy each man is given an opportunity to apply to be a Candidate.  Candidacy begins those more formal three years of prayer and study that may lead to becoming a Reader, institution as an Acolyte and then, if it be God's will, ordination to orders; a Deacon.

Today, 25 men received letters that our Archbishop, Gregory aymond, accepts them to begin Aspirancy.  The letter, or Aspirancy itself, is no guarantee of ordination.  In fact, no expectation should be drawn other than these men will follow a path of study, prayer and personal spiritual growth that will help them to discern an application to candidacy.

So tonight, please pray for our 25 new Aspirants and for those who feel the tug, that special call to the diaconate.  It is a beautiful journey, one I know that I will never forget.  And it is a journey that still continues.

And while we are at it, may our prayer also ask the Heavenly Father for more vibrant and robust vocations to the Priesthood.