PERMANENT DIACONATE PROGRAM
Director: Rev. Mr. Ed Harmon III
edharmon@dioceseoffresno.org
Assistant Director of Formation: Rev. Mr. Charles Reyburn
(559) 493-2886
creyburn@dioceseoffresno.org

Current Committees, Boards and Their Duties:
- Permanent Diaconate Committee
- Permanent Diaconate Formation Committee
- Deacons and Wives Board

·        Assist the Director in preparing and implementing a diaconate program for the Diocese.

·        Develop and implement Diocesan policy for all permanent deacons serving in the Diocese.

·        Assist the Director in preparing a formation program to prepare men for ordination to the Permanent Diaconate.

·        To be a link to the director for the deacons and wives in the five deaneries

Duties of the Director:

·        Assist the deacons and their pastors in preparing ministry agreements for each deacon.

·        To represent the Bishop in matters concerning permanent deacons and their ministry.

·        To prepare and direct the formation program.

·        Oversee the continuing education of all permanent deacons.

Duties of the Assistant Director Of Formation:

·        Assist the Director with the formation program.
·        Assist in the screening and evaluation of all applicants and candidates.

General Information:

There are currently 45 deacons serving in the Diocese of Fresno.  All but three of  these are assigned to their home parish. One of these serves as Chancellor for the diocese, one as Director of the Diaconate Program and the other is a chaplain for a prison.

 

There are 18 aspirants in discernment preparing for formation.  The formation classes begin in September with one formation weekend being held at the Pastoral Center each month.  The formation students also meet to study together for two hours each week in each of the deaneries.

 

GENERAL CRITERIA FOR DEACON APPLICANTS

Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience.  Moreover, they should be tested first, then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.  Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well.  Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

1 Tim 3:8-10, 12-13

 The applicant for the Diaconate in the Diocese of Fresno should be a man who:

·         is committed to and lives the Gospel message                                        

·       must have shown leadership qualities in parish/Diocesan ministry for at least five years

·       is identified by his parish community as a person of service, with Christian values and justice

·       if married, must have been in a stable and happy marriage for a period of 5 years or more and whose wife and           children support him in pursing the diaconate                            

·         if not married, is willing to commit to celibacy

·         if divorced or widowed, has lived a single celibate life for 5 years or more

·         if divorced and or remarried, a copy of the letter of the decree of nullity is required

·          is no younger than 35 years of age when ordained to the diaconate

·         must be enrolled for two years in or have completed the ‘NEW WINE’ lay formation program and have a certificate   of completion

·         has a reasonable proficiency in the English language

·         is capable of giving serious attention and time to the demanding Diaconate Formation Program

·         is currently employed, with stable work history and/or is retired with adequate financial resources to sustain his family

·         has a positive attitude toward the Church and is flexible in adapting to changes and needs in the Church

·         can be formally presented by his pastor as a man that he feels he can work with without reservation.

PERMANENT DIACONATE PROGRAM

DIOCESE OF FRESNO

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF A DEACON

 ·         is highly sensitive and perceptive

·         seeks to build a team climate

 ·         is giving of self for the good of others

·         recognizes those with problems and seeks to help them

 ·         affirms the gifts of others and is a group builder

 ·         is generous with his gifts to the benefit of others

 ·         enjoys working with people and shows flexibility

 ·         is strengthened by working with others and resolving conflict

 ·         is a person who builds and maintains trust among those he works with

 ·         has a good self image

 ·         seeks to know others at a personal level and is supportive of them

 ·         accepts the authority of others gracefully

 ·         is open and willing to work with other ethnic groups

 ·         has the ability to work effectively with staff and lay ministers, especially women

 ·         can assume responsibility for leadership but is comfortable training others to replace him

 

A DEACON IS ONE WHO

·         places a high priority on family

·         exhibits a high energy level

·         draws on his own spirituality to benefit others

 

·         exhibits strength and confidence that is rooted in faith

·         holds marriage as a sacred life-long commitment

·         believes that he is called to serve others’ needs

·         believes that he is called from his faith community

·         serves his family and faith community with joy

·         goes beyond the normal call of duty when needed

·         is fulfilled by helping others

·         can hold things in confidence

·         presides at and leads prayer

 ·         enjoys sharing his faith with others