General AdmissionsDiaconate Formation Program
Since 1972, St. Augustine's has provided a formation program for candidates for ordination to the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Toronto. The program is under the direction of the President-Rector of the Seminary.
The main focus is to prepare candidates for the ministry of service towards the dispossessed and disadvantaged, those who have been pushed to the fringe of civil society by such things as poverty, sickness, crime and age. The ministry of the liturgy and the ministry of the word celebrate and reflect the deacon's ministry of service.
In September 2004, St. Augustine’s Seminary introduced the Diploma in Theological Studies for the Diaconate Formation Program candidates and their wives. For details please see the admission requirements for the Diploma in Theological Studies or speak to the Academic Advisor, Dr. Vivian Ligo.
The Diaconate Formation Program is open to all men of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto who meet the basic requirements. The candidate should:
- Call the Director of Deacons at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, (416) 934-3400 x304.
- Be prepared with his wife to attend an interview at St. Augustine's Seminary.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from his pastor.
- Undertake a tape-recorded 54-question interview.
- Complete the diaconate formation program application form with the required documentation.
- Experience a screening process of approximately six months, which will determine eligibility for acceptance as an aspirant into the initial stage of formation.
The Admissions Committee will notify the candidate of its decision.
Candidates accepted into the program are required to engage the formation program for a period of four years. In that period, they attend one weekend a month from September to May at St. Augustine’s Seminary for spiritual, academic and ministerial formation under the direction of a qualified Resource Person. In addition, they meet in small groups each week for prayer, study, discussion and reflection on a specific topic. During the summer, a course of reading, discernment and service in areas of social concern is expected.
This four-year program integrates the spiritual, academic and ministerial dimensions into a preparation that is vital for a person seeking a life of commitment to church service. Such preparation and integration fosters a spirit of community among the candidates and their families.
The spiritual formation process integrates the doctrinal, theological, biblical and ministerial development for the expression of a life lived in Christian faith. The candidates are guided in methods of prayer, contemplation and self-awareness. Candidates are required to make an annual retreat and have a spiritual director.
The academic curriculum encompasses foundational studies in the Old Testament, New Testament, Christology, Ecclesiology, moral theology, early Christianity, theology of ministry, liturgy, sacraments, spirituality and canon law of marriage.
On study weekends, the class meets for communal prayer, Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharist and meals with the seminarians.
Ministerial development includes increasing their awareness of social concerns and preparations for liturgical rites.
In the second year of formation, candidates are instituted to the Ministry of Acolyte and in their third year, to the Ministry of Lector. In preparation for their charitable ministry, the men participate in a six-month Supervised Pastoral Experience under the guidance of a supervisor.
To better prepare for the ministry of preaching, the candidate during the fourth year is expected to prepare and present a homily at least once a month. These homilies are evaluated by a team consisting of deacons and wives, priests and seminarians.
By December of their fourth year, the candidates, having exercised the Ministries of Acolyte and Lector, as well as having discerned their call and ministry of service, publicly express their intention through the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Ordination to Diaconate.
At the end of the fourth year, upon fulfilment of all program requirements, recommendation of the Formation Committee and the Director of the Formation Program, and with the Archbishop’s approval, the candidates are ordained to the Order of Deacon.
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