Yes, a married man may become a Permanent Deacon, but it is necessary for his wife to give her support and consent to his ordination.

To be ordained as a Permanent Deacon, the Church requires a man be 35 years old.  In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, men are accepted into the formation process between the ages of 32 and 58.

As a general rule, the minimum education level is a high school diploma or a GED prior to the beginning of formation.  However, consideration will be made on an individual basis.  Formation requires a serious effort of reading, writing, reflection, and communication.

It is desired for a man who is ordained a Permanent Deacon to continue living and ministering in the Archdiocese of Dubuque.  For this reason the following guidelines have been established.  As with the education guidelines, this will be determined on an individual basis.

• Five years in your marriage.
• Five years in your parish/community.
• Five years in your job.

An application can be received from a man who has received one declaration of matrimonial nullity.

If married, a spouse is strongly encouraged to participate in formation sessions, assignments and activities; however, some sessions will be identified as optional.

An applicant, and his wife, if married, must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

• Formation begins with an Inquiry Semester.  
• Next is one year of Aspirancy followed by the celebration of Admission to Candidacy.
• After Candidacy are three more years of diaconal formation.
• The total formation process is four and a half years plus the time needed for the application and the gathering of necessary documentation such as sacramental, education, and health records.

• Formation classes will begin in January, 2019.
• Classes are held two Saturdays per month throughout the school year from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Classes are held in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area, which is a central location in the Archdiocese.

Classes for the formation process will be in both English and Spanish depending on the needs of the class members.  Books and literature will be in English and Spanish.

Plans are being made to provide help and translation for those who need it.

Various instructors will teach classes on Scripture, theology, and assorted Church related topics.  The instructors will require books to be read and reflection papers to be written.  Every class involves reflection and group discussion.

• Applications will be accepted between October 1, 2017 and March 30, 2018
• Ask your pastor to request an application for you from the Director of the Permanent Diaconate.  Completed applications and requested forms must be submitted before March 30, 2018.
• April – May 2018 — Applications are reviewed by the Formation Board.
• June – Aug. 2018 —  Applicants and spouses take Psychological Tests.
• Sept. – Oct. 2018 — Results of the Psychological Test are reviewed individually with each applicant and spouse.
• Nov. 2018 — The Formation Board reviews all the information and makes a recommendation to the Archbishop for entrance into the formation process.
• Dec. 2018 — Archbishop Jackels gives permission for entrance into formation classes beginning in January 2019.

Throughout the four and a half years of formation classes emphasis is placed on the following four dimensions:

• Human dimension – To cultivate personal qualities with a view to diaconal ministry.
• Spiritual dimension – To develop a spiritual foundation for discipleship and ministry.
• Intellectual dimension – To grow in knowledge of faith and Church.
• Pastoral dimension – To strengthen and enhance the exercise of the prophetic, priestly, and servant-leadership functions already lived and exercised.

The Archdiocese of Dubuque pays the cost of the formation classes.  Each individual is asked to pay for their class books and the travel to and from classes.  Most parishes help with these expenses.

Baptism calls all Christians to serve God and others.  Active participation in a parish community is encouraged as it provides experience and helps prepare for diaconal ministry.

After ordination, a deacon is not allowed to marry.

No, a deacon is assigned at the discretion of the Archbishop based on the needs of the archdiocese.  However, a deacon is not asked to relocate if such a move would require a family or financial hardship.