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Diaconate

The deacon serves the People of God in the Ministry of the Word, of Charity and of the Altar. The deacon is ordained to assist the bishop and work with the priests and follows the requirements set out in the canonical mission given to him by the bishop. Deacons are chosen for work with the people of the parish and to be a leader within the parish community. The deacon may be required to work for the Deanery and be involved in secular organisations and structures. The deacon makes himself servant of all.

Conditions of Acceptance
In England and Wales a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate whether married or not, must be over 35 years of age. In this Diocese, he will not normally be accepted for the Formation Programme if he is over 6o years of age. If he is married, the consent of his wife is required. An unmarried man embraces a lifelong commitment to celibacy. He must understand what this means and be ready to accept it.

Application and Selection
The Director and his assistants, who are all deacons, are appointed by the bishop to act in his name in forwarding candidates for selection and providing for their training and formation. Applications are made with the support of the candidates’ parish priest and the parish community. If accepted there is a period of discernment before starting the Formation Programme.

Formation and Training
The course of studies is for three years and is based upon a full day of lectures each month and personal guided study. The course includes lectures on Theology, Scripture, Liturgy and Church History, Canon Law and other subjects pertaining to the Deacon’s ministry. Additional pastoral and spiritual formation may also take place in the parish and additional study days may be organised.

Ministries and Ordination
After the first year the student may apply to be accepted for the Ministry of Reader. After the second year the Ministry of Acolyte and after the third year he may apply for Candidacy and ask to be accepted for ordination.

For further information please contact The Director for the Permanent Diaconate or any member of the Arundel and Brighton Formation Team:

Director - Rev. Paul Scholey
10 Worcester Villas, Hove, BN3 5TB, 01273 271339

Assistant - Rev. Andrew Bayes
38 Redgrave Road, Maidenbower, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 7WK, 01293 887061

Assistant - Rev. Peter Andrews
7 Taleworth Road, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2PT, 01372 274522

Assistant - Rev. Chris Dobson
Soper's Ride, Selsfield Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PP, 01342 715345

“The Permanent Diaconate, restored by the Second Vatican Council, in complete continuity with ancient tradition and the specific decision of the Council of Trent, has flourished in these last decades in many parts of the Church – with promising results, especially for the urgent missionary work of the New Evangelisation”

Declaration of the Congregation of the Clergy, Rome 1998