Welcome to the Diaconate Formation Program for the Diocese of Phoenix

Discernment of any vocation is often a long, multi-faceted process. It starts on your knees. If, through prayer, it seems as though God could be calling you to serve Him as a Permanent Deacon, you’ve come to the right place to find out more information and learn what to do next as you open your heart to God’s calling.

We have a few resources here to help you in your discernment.

  1. First, if you think our Lord is leading you in this direction, please submit the Diaconate Inquiry Form, and I will reach out to you to begin a conversation about this path.
  2. To discover some practical steps you can take to discern this vocation, check out our Discerning the Diaconate page.
  3. For the basic requirements for entering Formation, visit the General Criteria page.
  4. For an overview of the stages of Formation, visit the Levels of Admission page.
  5. To dive deeper and understand a bit more about the overall formation program, visit the General Overview page.

We are all called to deep friendship with Christ and to holiness. It could be that Holy Orders and the Permanent Diaconate is one of the paths to holiness that God has for you. I want to assure you, saying YES to the Lord is the start of a great adventure. As St. Pope John Paul II told us, “Do not be afraid! Open the doors to Christ!”

Pax Christi,

Deacon Doug Bogart

Associate Director of Education and Formation