Deacon candidates move into final year of formation before ordination

July 26, 2023 at 5:27 p.m.

After completing four years of instruction through Seton Hall University as well as classes taught by various priests of the Diocese, 11 men are approaching their final year of deacon formation with a focus on practical aspects.

Begun this summer, the pastoral year program was developed by Father Christopher Colavito, diocesan vocation director and director of deacon formation, after consulting several pastors throughout the Diocese. The year will be broken into three sections: summer (communication / observation; fall (preaching); and spring (practicum).

“During the summer the candidates were tasked with opening good lines of communication with their pastors and parish staff,” Father Colavito explained. “They were given a list of pastor events they were to attend and observe with full attention – including weddings, funerals, communion calls, hospital visits and nursing home visits.”

Once a month during the summer the candidates, with spouses who were available to attend, have met at Father Colavito’s residence for dinner, discussion on their parish experiences, and a presentation on topics such as on the Blessed Mother.

“It has been a wonderful experience as they have shared with the group the challenges and joys they have experienced just in observing and partaking to the extent that they can in [each] event,” Father Colavito said.

While these observations will continue into the fall, he explained, “we will transition more intentionally to the practice of preaching and serving the Mass. Each week we will visit a different parish throughout the Diocese (spouses invited) to preach both daily and Sunday homilies.”

Speaking in various parishes will allow candidates to experience the differences in sanctuary layouts, acoustics, speaker systems, and afford them the opportunity to try out different preaching styles, Father Colavito noted.

“We will also periodically practice the different aspects of the Mass concerning deacons,” he continued. “I, the other candidates, and anyone attending the preaching nights will be giving feedback to the candidate about the content, style and speaking of homilies.”

The third phase of the pastoral year begins in the spring of 2024, with candidates meeting weekly with Father Michael Hall, director of the diocesan Office of Worship, as they prepare to serve Mass and Communion services in their home parishes. Ordination is scheduled to follow in May.