Information/Resources

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Formation Program - General Information

The formation program is four years in length. The first year is focused on discernment of the vocational call to the diaconate. The year, referred to as the year of Aspirancy, includes presentations on the ministry of the diaconate, scripture classes, retreats, and spiritual formation. Meetings take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from September through April and wives are expected to attend all sessions during this year. Programs are also scheduled on occasion specifically for the wives. Spiritual formation days are held on occasional Saturdays for the men. Years 2-4 consist of a similar meeting schedule but focused on academic courses and pastoral training. Wives are invited to attend classes, but are not required to do so. Pastoral field experiences, including an intensive summer internship at the end of the 3^rd year, are also included in the program. Candidates are evaluated each year to discern their readiness to continue in formation and eventually to ordination.

The Archdiocese of Boston currently has two locations for the formation program, one located at the Pastoral Center in Braintree and the other housed at Merrimack College in North Andover. Classes are admitted to each site in alternate years. For example, the class beginning in September 2010 will be in North Andover, while the class beginning in September 2011 will be in Braintree.

There is also a diaconate formation program for Spanish speaking men. This class is admitted once every four years, with the next scheduled class beginning in September 2010. For more information, please contact the Permanent Diaconate Office.