The Institute for Diaconate Formation invites and forms joyful permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Through these ordained servants, Christ transforms parishes, families, communities and workplaces in the Twin Cities and beyond.
What is a deacon?
Deacons are ordained ministers who support their local bishop as a sacramental sign of Christ. In the United States, they typically have full-time jobs on top of their ministry. Married men can be ordained as permanent deacons.
The path to the diaconate
- Attend a deacon discernment day
- Participate in The Saint Paul Seminary Catechetical Institute
- 5 years of aspirancy and candidacy
- Ordination and 6-month internship
- Assignment to mission
- Lead and serve
Blog
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.