Clergy Referral for the Permanent Diaconate

This referral page is to be used by diocesan clergy to provide referrals to the vocations and formation team in the Office of the Permanent Diaconate.

• Be in good standing in the Church.
• Be a fully initiated Catholic (or active after returning to the faith) for at least 5 years.
• Reside within the diocese and be registered in a parish in the diocese for at least 3 years.
• Be a high school graduate or hold a GED and be capable of completing college-level academic coursework.
• Be between 30 and 59 years old (ordination by age 65).
• Intend to reside within the diocese and commit to a minimum of 10 years of service to the diocese following ordination.
• If single, demonstrate a mature celibate state of life and promise lifelong celibacy after ordination.
• If married, demonstrate at least 7 years of valid, stable marriage, and have the informed support of the wife.
• If there was a prior marriage, possess a decree of nullity.
• Be in good health, both physically and mentally. 
• Not be subject to any canonical legal impediments.