The formation process leading to the Sacrament of Holy Orders (Permanent
Diaconate) is a multi-dimensional program of four years in duration.  Formation
is inclusive of education but it is much more.  It is developmental in that it has
dimensions: Spiritual, Human, Intellectual, Pastoral, and Diconal.

Each of these dimensions has four major perspectives: Family, Multicultural
Sensitivity, Social Justice Advocacy, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious spirit. 
Formation starts with an orientation for the new class followed by the first year
retreat in July.  Class work begins in August and concludes with a retreat in
July annually until ordination.  A general overview of each year is below.  You
can also see a sample schedule by using this link: Sample Schedule

YEAR ONE
The first year is known as the Aspirancy Year.  It is a year of introduction to
various aspects of prayer, ministry, spirituality and self-assessment.  The focus
of the year is personal discernment about your call to the Diaconate.  The first
year begins with a weekend retreat.  An assessment by the Aspirant and the
Diaconate Office is conducted at the end of the first year to determine if the
aspirant should proceed on to the Candidacy phase.

YEARS TWO and THREE 
This begins the Candidacy phase which lasts for three years.  The academics
become much more intense with study at both Spalding University in Louisville
and classes presented by the Archdiocese.

Courses at Spalding University are held over a three day weekend.  There are
two weekends in the Fall and two weekends in the Spring each year.  All men
in Candidacy must take the course work for college credit (either undergraduate
or graduate).  The wives have an option of taking the courses for credit, audit or
no official enrollment. 

It should be noted that the men in Candidacy must complete all the courses
offered before he can be ordained.  If a course weekend is missed it must be
made-up prior to ordination.  Upon completion of the Spalding courses the
candidate (and spouse if she takes the coursework for credit) will receive a
Certificate in Pastoral Ministry.

YEAR FOUR 
This final year consists of some field work and also Hospital Ministry training at
Baptist East Hospital.  There are classes at the Archdiocese which include
Homiletics, Canon Law, presiding at liturgies such as Baptisms, Weddings and
Funerals.  The year concludes with Ordination in August.