of the Roman Catholic Church

To be considered for the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, an applicant must:

• If Roman Catholic, be practicing for not less than five years.

• If a convert to the Roman Catholic Church, be a member for not less than five years

• Have lived within the Diocese of Salt Lake City not less than three years

• Have his application actively supported in writing by his wife and his pastor

• Be at a minimum age thirty-five and not beyond a maximum age of fifty-five at the time formation begins

• A single man must be committed to celibacy after ordination- there is no marriage after ordination

• A married man must be committed to celibacy after ordination should he lose his wife to death or separation

• Be a citizen of the United States of America or have evidence of legal residency.

• Have stable employment and a sound financial history

• Be without a criminal record

• Be of sufficient mental and physical health

• Possess a minimum of a high school diploma and be capable of college level studies

• Able to speak the English language (conversational English)

• Note that reading may be done, and written work may be submitted in Spanish (or other language) if the applicant’s first language is not English

• A number of presentations are made in English; assistance available for Spanish speakers

• If married, be in a valid Catholic marriage for at least five years.

• Able to show a history of active participation in pastoral and liturgical ministry

• Commit to be present for all required classes, days of reflection, ministry events and retreats throughout the five-and-a-half-year formation program

• Be committed to permanently serving the Dioceses of Salt Lake City after ordination

Applications to the Aspirancy year of formation to the Permanent Diaconate will be accepted from men who have attended the required Information/Inquiry sessions and completed the required online course.

The Office of the Diaconate invites all interested in joining the Diaconate program to register for the upcoming Inquiry Sessions.  Please contact our office to register