While the Institute and Diaconal Formation will collaborate in certain areas of formation, acceptance into either certificate option of the Institute does not guarantee acceptance into diaconal formation, which is a totally separate application process.

Successful completion of at least two years of the Institute will be the usual norm before applying for diaconal formation. The third year would be completed through the candidacy aspect of diaconal formation.

The bishop has determined that the maximum age for men being ordained to the diaconate is 62 years. Therefore, if a man is considering a call to diaconate, he will need to begin his work at the Institute no later than his 55th birthday.

Please contact Deacon Frank Berning at the Office for Initial Diaconal Formation for further details or (518) 453-6670