“The continuing formation of deacons is a human necessity which must be seen in continuity with the divine call to serve the Church in the ministry and with the initial formation given to deacons, to the extent that these are considered two initial moments in a single, living process of Christian and diaconal life.”
– Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons (DMLPD), §65
Formation is more than just taking a class or attending study days. Deacons need to make formation a continuous activity throughout their life.
Many deacons and directors of diaconate are looking for resources to facilitate ongoing formation. The Josephinum Diaconate Institute is a recognized leader in this area and provides opportunities for ongoing formation in all four dimensions of the deacon’s life: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral.
Deacons need cost-effective and personalized formation programming tailored to them that can be studied on their own schedule. Some may choose to take graduate coursework or pursue a Master of Arts program as part of their formation. Whether you are looking for short-format classes, graduate studies, or workshops, the Institute has options that work for you.
If you are diocesan director looking for resources for your diocese, we can help you design a cost effective ongoing formation plan to meet your needs.
The Institute offers two primary modes of ongoing formation: traditional graduate level courses via distance learning and our new Josephinum Connect! platform designed specifically for ongoing deacon formation. The Institute can work with your diocese to design ongoing formation that will fit the needs of your deacons.
Josephinum Connect! is a web-based learning platform with a cost-effective catalog of formation topics for deacons in all seasons of life and ministry. Courses in Connect! are designed to fit into your busy schedule.
In 2021, the Institute was awarded a grant to research ongoing formation needs and provide programming to meet these needs. The Institute has partnered with subject matter experts and directors of formation to develop short courses to help deacons grow and remain vital in their ministries, personal lives, prayer life, and relationships.
In addition to programming, the Connect! platform provides deacon directors with valuable data on the formation activities of the deacons in their diocese.
Josephinum Connect! is now available. If you are a diocesan director and would like more information on how Connect! can help you and your diocese, contact us for demo.
Deacons who are looking for college or graduate level coursework for continuing education may enroll in any semester-long course being offered by the Institute. They may also want to consider pursuing a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies.
If you are interested in learning more about Josephinum Connect! or other ongoing deacon formation opportunities, please contact us.