Institute for Diaconate Formation

saint paul seminary deacon acolyte installation

Eighteen Saint Paul Seminary deacon candidates installed as acolytes

Archbishop Bernard Hebda will celebrate the institution of 18 deacon candidates as acolytes for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis on Sunday at the Church of St. Hubert in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

catholic deacon smiling

What is a deacon in the Catholic Church?

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference between a transitional or permanent deacon is — or weren’t even aware there is such a thing — you’re not alone. Here is an explainer on the diaconate, a crucial but oft-overlooked facet of the Catholic sacrament of Holy Orders.

deacon cooley institute for diaconate formation

Saint Paul Seminary Institute for Diaconate Formation hires new assistant program manager

Starting July 1, Deacon Eric Cooley will serve as the new associate program director for the Institute for Diaconate Formation.

Eighteen deacon candidates instituted as lectors Sunday

This important step towards diaconate ordination will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 20 at All Saints in Lakeville.

Seven new deacons ordained for Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

“This group of new deacons brings a variety of backgrounds and life experience to our local Church,” said Deacon Joe Michalak, director of The Saint Paul Seminary Institute for Diaconate Formation.

seminarian john utecht poses in front of st. paul seminary's chapel

Like father, (kind of) like son: Family’s vocational path overlaps at St. Paul Seminary

John Utecht is a seminarian in formation for the priesthood. John’s father, Joe, was ordained a permanent deacon in December 2019.