Office
of Ministry Formation: Relationship of
Formation for Ministry to Diaconal Formation
Successful
completion of Formation for Ministry is
required prior to application for Diaconal
Formation. While FMP is a
pre-requisite, it is an entirely separate
program open to both women and men.
Acceptance into Formation for Ministry
does not guarantee acceptance for diaconal
formation, a totally separate application
process.
Formation
for Ministry provides an experience of
Ministry Formation in a community setting as
well as excellent foundation in a wide
variety of theological disciplines. In some
subject areas, it will be the only exposure
candidates will have until continuing
education after ordination.
A
man’s commitment to the FMP process and
the study required, his degree of
participation in class discussions and
community group as well as his contribution
to building community and interaction with
other participants are important
factors in Ministry Formation's evaluation for diaconal application.
While the ability to process and
integrate new information is important,
public ministry requires a commitment to
Gospel spirituality, interpersonal,
leadership, and ecclesial skills. The
perspective candidate must demonstrate
maturity, stability, flexibility,
sensitivity, tolerance and overall
psychological and physical health. In
addition, he will not have exceeded the
maximum age of 62 at the proposed time of
ordination.
