Dear Friends in Christ,
The call to be deacon is to serve. On Sunday, October 2, 2022, there will be a special collection for the formation of permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. This collection relieves some of their financial burden for studies to become a deacon.
Since 1977, 505 men have been ordained as permanent deacons in the Archdiocese. There are 195 active deacons ordained for the Archdiocese and 87 retired deacons. There are 26 men in formation at this time.
When the permanent diaconate program was initiated in the Archdiocese in January 1977, men went through a two-year formation program, with a third year of post-ordination formation. Since then, the program has gradually expanded to five years of formation, plus five more years of post-ordination formation.
Deacons serve in parishes, hospitals, archdiocesan agencies, and other organizations. They offer their time, talent and energy to strengthen our church in St. Louis and do not receive compensation for their work. Their service extends into many areas of parish life, including the proclamation of the Gospel, liturgical functions, administration, and charitable works. Many active deacons continue to be employed full-time, requiring them to balance family lives and professions with their ministry as a deacon.
Please promote the special collection for the Formation of Permanent Deacons on Sunday, October 2, 2022.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski