What is the Permanent Diaconate?

The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) re-established the diaconate as a proper and permanent rank of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. In 1968, the bishops of the United States received approval to restore the diaconate in this country. The Diocese of Des Moines was one of the first in the United States to start a permanent diaconate program. The diocese's first cohort consisting of nine men who were ordained as permanent deacons on June 4, 1972.

The Diocese of Des Moines currently has 59 active permanent deacons, 61 retired permanent deacons, and 19 men in formation.

What is the Role of a Deacon?

The permanent deacon is an ordained member of the Church who has received the sacrament of holy orders (as does a bishop and priest) and is deemed a cleric. As such, he is not a layman.

Permanent deacons have a three-fold ministry:

Ministry of Charity

Bringing the Gospel to all those in need: The poor, the aged, the sick and imprisoned, he preaches and practices social justice.

Ministry of the Word

Deacons proclaim the Gospel and preach at liturgical celebrations. They provide catechetical instruction, adult faith formation, and sacramental preparation.

Ministry of Sacrament

Deacons assist priests during Mass, administer baptisms, witness marriages, preside at funerals and wakes, officiate at benediction and lead community prayer services.

Across the Diocese permanent deacons participate in the Mass and hold many roles within the parish, including:

Proclaiming the Gospel and preaching the homily at Mass
Celebrating the Sacraments of Matrimony or Baptism and presiding at funerals (without Mass)
Assisting with the Eucharist, including exposing the Blessed Sacrament and leading benedictions
Engaging in various parish ministries such as faith formation, marriage preparation, and pastoral care

The Permanent Diaconate Formation Process

The first step in the formation process is discernment. Discerning a vocation for ministry of a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church involves sustained prayer, informative resources, conversations with your pastor, family, other faithful Christians, and the support of the Permanent Diaconate Formation program.

Who Can Become a Deacon?

Catholic males who have been baptized and practicing the faith for at least five years
A person of good moral character and reputation.
Permanent Deacons may be single or married and must be at least 35 years of age at the time of ordination. The maximum acceptable age will be determined by viable service capability after ordination with an expectation of 10 years of service.
Married candidates must have the consent and support of their wives, who must be willing to participate in their formation. Diaconal applicants must seek the recommendation of their pastor.

What Does the Formation Process Look Like?

The diaconate candidate undergoes at least five years of human, spiritual, theological, and pastoral formation. Formation may take place on weeknights and weekends throughout the five-year program.

After the application and inquiry period, there are two years of discernment of aspirancy in which the man and his wife (if married) prayerfully consider how the diaconate will impact their lives.

Following is the period of candidacy, which is three years of practical and academic preparation.

How Do I Apply to the Diaconate?

If you are interested in applying to the Diaconate you will first need to attend an information meeting offered by the Office of Vocations. These are hosted throughout the year at various locations across the Diocese. If you are married your wife should also attend this session. Before applying to the Permanent Diaconate Formation program:

Information meetings are typically held during a period of time shortly before or after the Bishop’s Call to the next Permanent Diaconate Formation. The next call from the Bishop is expected in the fall of 2025, with formation starting in 2026.

For more information on the application process and locations of information meetings, please contact the Vocations Office at 515-237-5014 or vocations@dmdiocese.org.

What is the Permanent Diaconate?

What is the Role of a Deacon?

Permanent deacons have a three-fold ministry:

The Permanent Diaconate Formation Process

Recommended Resources for Discernment