springfield diocese ordination
DIOCESAN CYCLE: Ordination to the G. Timothy Leighton, Bloomington; Birthday of The Rev. There are many diverse ministries within the Church. Are restrictions Springfield Diocese uses to protect properties steering them toward demolition. Coughlin, who was ordained a deacon in 2001 and served at St. Michaels Cathedral, said in a 2017 interview that he helped facilitate the ordination of about 11 deacons every 24 months in recent years, and that many give between 12 to 15 hours or more of weekly service. Call or email us. Sean D. Ferrell, Champaign, IL. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Trinity Church, Mattoon, Admitted to the Diocese, 1908; Birthday of The Very Rev. A program for wives of candidates will be offered as needed to assist the families of candidates adjust to the demands of formation and future ministry. Canon Mark E. Evans, Lincoln, IL. Now all of us are called to service and in this sense the deacon (also bishops and priests) do nothing unusual. Today is a great day of rejoicing for the city of Springfield, Archbishop Rozanski told the congregation. G. Timothy Leighton, Bloomington, IL. Seven members of the diaconate studies Class of 2021 are expected to be ordained this year for the diocese that has approximately six dozen parishes and missions, and the Class of 2024 began their first year of studies in January. The Rev. We realize in their formation, in being prepared for the priesthood and finally coming to sacred ordination, they are dedicating their lives for the sake of Gods people, the archbishop said. D.Coggan. Check out the resources below for you and your parish groups! In addition, they are assigned to serve in a parish or institution 5-10 hours a week during their five years of formation. Daniel H. Martins, 11th Bishop of Springfield, Chicago, IL, Wedding anniversary of The Rev. Picard called his appointment a great opportunity to get to know God and get to know the diocese a little better. He and his wife Sandra have been married 47 years and are members of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Agawam. Can you apply to the Diaconate if you have young children? By using this site, you are agreeing to our Notice and Terms of Use. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Almighty God, make us gentle and courteous in word and deed. Dr. Ralph N. McMichael, St. Louis, MO; Ordination to the Priesthood, Carter Aikin, Carlinville, IL. Many needs for service are met by dedicated laymen and laywomen. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Osun The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Province (Ibadan). Its a challenge, but its not impossible. They have been preparing for this moment for years and now need to delay it a few more months, said Father Wood. They should expect to perform their ministry in parishes and institutions within a reasonable distance from their homes. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Mich., where he completed his studies for ordination. How do I find out more about becoming a Deacon? There is an ever-present need for persons in contemporary society to hear the message of Christ and to experience the witness of service in His Name. Gill was ordained by Weldon at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield in 1958 and served in the Springfield diocese until his death in 1995, at the age of 63. Is a Deacon ordained for the Parish or the Diocese? They may be married but are generally not allowed to remarry if their wife dies after they are ordained. Piotr Stanislaw Calik, shown here with Bishop Emeritus Timothy McDonnell who ordained him to the priesthood, has been named vicar general for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield. Dant Anglin, Havana, IL. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Lord, set us free from the bondage of our sins. He will be the parochial vicar at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield. In a statement, Byrne praised Coughlin, who lives in Hampden with his wife Maureen, for so many years of great and generous service, and welcomed Picard as a really excellent deacon to replace him.. What are these "various ministries" of the Deacon? News in the Diocese for April - Diocese of Springfield This is in keeping with the ancient tradition of the Church, in which married men were ordained into ministry. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Ruvuma The Anglican Church of Tanzania. Synod 2022 - Diocese of Springfield DIOCESAN CYCLE: Birthday of Debbie, wife of The Rev. clergy and institutions listed. Reverend Cathal Gallagher, granted his request to retire from his assignment as Pastor, St. Paul, Marty, St. Mark, Lake Andes, and St. Paul, Armour. Thank you for taking the time to contact the Office for the Diaconate! It is not a fulltime position in the Springfield Diocese and is unpaid. During the first two year, the person is known as an aspirant. These are three complementary ways of sharing more fully the one priesthood of Christ conferred on all through baptism. Bestow upon us the vision and wisdom to see, ears to hear, and lips to express love for one another as a new year begins. Fax: (217) 525-1877 Do the demands of the Diaconate put a strain on the marriage of the deacon? Married men seeking to enter the diaconate must have the full cooperation and encouragement from their spouses. All of us have been asked to make sacrifices during these difficult times and our transitional deacons are no exception. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Pathein The Church of the Province of Myanmar. This may involve ministry to the sick, the aged, the poor, prison ministry, campus ministry, or youth ministry. Some of the people may have been afraid to come to church or have been away for a while. DIOCESAN CYCLE: God, fill us with your grace, for the sake of your anointed Son. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Birthday of The Rev. They meet with their personal spiritual director once a month. My hope is to continue in my joy that our Lord Jesus Christ received the gift of sonship from the father and today he has shared that gift of being son with him through the priesthood. The Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois Cyril and Methodius Seminary there and then at SS. ANGLICAN CYCLE: The Scottish Episcopal Church, DIOCESAN CYCLE: Emmanuel Memorial, Champaign, The Rev. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Phulbani The (united) Church of North India. Shawn W. and Mary Ann Denney, Springfield, IL. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Perth The Anglican Church of Australia, Province (Western Australia), ANGLICAN CYCLE: Peru The Anglican Church of South America. While he often performs duties that priests also perform, the Diaconate exists in its own right. He also preaches the Word by working in adult education, religious education programs, sacramental preparation, etc. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Chapel of St. John the Divine, Champaign, The Rev. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Christ Church, Springfield, admitted to the Diocese, 1889. All rights reserved (About Us). ANGLICAN CYCLE: Rokon The Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Province (Cantral Equatoria), ANGLICAN CYCLE: Rorya The Anglican Church of Tanzania. Gregory Tournoux, Springfield, IL. Please note, these lists are not exhaustive, as parish groups grow and change all the time! At liturgical services he reads the Gospel and may preach the homily. Diocese of Springfield in Illinois - Roman Catholic Diocese The Diaconate is a ministry deeply rooted in Scriptural accounts of the early church. Wednesday, January 25 The Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle, ANGLICAN CYCLE: Panyana The Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Province. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Riverina The Anglican Church of Australia, Province (New South Wales). ANGLICAN CYCLE: Oyo The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Province (Ibadan). Sean D. Ferrell, Rector; Kaliua Parish, Tanzania; The Mission of St. Mary, District of Ventanilla, Callao, Peru; St. Thomas, Salem, Anniversary of the Consecration of Church building, 1926. Download an Information Brochure About the Diaconate Program, Vatican Eucharistic Miracles of the World, Submit your photo for Catholic Times / diocesan social media, Submit your photo for Catholic Times / diocesan social media Image Image, The Formation and Ministry of Permanent Deacons, Active and full participation in the life of the Church. It is presumed that the deacon will sustain himself and his family through a secular profession and will volunteer 10-20 hours per week to his Church assignment. Picard succeeds Deacon Leo Coughlin, who retired from the paid, part-time position earlier this month after 18 years as diaconate director. The aspiring candidates for ordination as a deacon must discuss his intentions with his wife and family. The diocese comprises 28 counties in a band across the middle part of the state. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Abba Father, may your continual blessings guide the laity, priests and bishops in the Diocese of Springfield. The Second Vatican Council decreed that the diaconate, when it was restored as a permanent order in the hierarchy, could be opened to "mature married men," later clarified to mean men over the age of 35. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Pretoria The Anglican Church of Southern Africa. Bestow upon us the vision and wisdom to see, ears to hear, and lips to express love for one another as a new year begins. Sunday, January 29 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, ANGLICAN CYCLE: The Church of Pakistan (United). Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski was the principal celebrant for the special 11 a.m. Mass, called the Rite of Ordination, in which he ordained Deacons Paul Norman, Dennis Skowera, and John Duy Le to the priesthood. The Episcopal Church Annual includes a comprehensive directory of provinces, dioceses, and churches, with contact information and listings of active clergy. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Wedding anniversary of The Rev. As a rule of thumb, a deacons priorities should be: first family; second job; third diaconate. Pope Paul VI stated that the Deacons role is to be a facilitator of the lay apostolate. SPRINGFIELD Deacon David Picard, a retired Agawam business owner, has been named director of the Springfield Diocese's Office of the Diaconate by the Most Rev. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The priests, who represent a wide spectrum of ages and backgrounds and who come from different parts of the diocese and the globe, were ordained by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Oru The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Province (Owerri). Reverend Shaun Haggerty from Pastor at St. Lambert Parish, Sioux Falls to Pastor of St. John Paul II Parish, Harrisburg and Chaplain at Sanford USD Medical Center. The Director will be able to outline the various requirements and processes to be followed. The deacon is usually expected to support himself and his family from his secular occupation. In the Middle Ages the permanent diaconate was suppressed for a variety of reasons and from then on the Diaconate was seen as the final step to priesthood. The word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonia, which means to serve. It is grounded in one of the basic messages of the Gospel that says, unless you serve others, you cannot enter the Kingdom. As Christianity grew, it was necessary to appoint men as deacons to work alongside the apostles. We invite you to take the next step in growing in your faith. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Almighty God, help us to not worry about tomorrow, and to realize that you are already there! DIOCESAN CYCLE: St. Georges, Belleville, The Rev. Timothy A. Goodman, Johnston City, IL. BOX 1730 SPRINGFIELD, MA 01102-1730, Copyright 2020 Catholic Communications Corporation. P.O. They have really been a source of encouragement and inspiration to our seminarians. Reverend Cathal Gallagher, granted his request to retire from his assignment as ANGLICAN CYCLE: Orlu The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Province (The Epiphany Owerri). He will be the parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in West Springfield. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Feast of Title, Emmanuel Memorial, Champaign; Birthday of the Rev. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Thomas Reeves, Priest-in-Charge; Igunga Mission, Tanzania; The Mission of Jesus the Nazarene & Shalom Mission, San Juan de Miraflores, Peru, ANGLICAN CYCLE: Pankshin The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Province (Jos). In anticipation of their August ordinations, I will join with the five transitional deacons for a special Chalice of Salvation televised liturgy to air on Sunday, May 24, he said. It is provided by clergy members and Episcopal institutions for Wives must give their consent before their husbands are ordained. Published by Diocese of Springfield in Illinois Office for Communications Catholic Pastoral Center 1615 West Washington Street Springfield, Illinois 62702-4757 (217) 698-8500. Sunday, February 5 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, ANGLICAN CYCLE: The Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea. Solid faith in God and God's redemptive concern for all peoples, as revealed in Jesus Christ and proclaimed by the Catholic Church, Deep and growing spirituality, living relationship with the Lord Jesus through daily prayer; openness to continued human and spiritual growth; Eucharistic devotion; regular celebration of the sacrament of penance; Marian devotion, Full Christian initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist) in the Catholic Church; be a Catholic for at least four years. In the meantime, please pray for these men as they pray for you, the people of the diocesan community.. Is he a priest or preparing to become a priest? The deacon provides leadership in service and highlights the essential role of servant to which we are called. Priest Assignment Changes Effective July 1 2022 - Catholic Diocese of Even his job takes priority over his ministry because this is the means of his livelihood. Rev. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Renk The Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Province (Upper Nile). At the end of the Mass, Fathers Christopher Malatesta and Robert Gentile presented Archbishop Rozanski with a gift from all of the priests of the diocese. His formation focuses on immediate preparation to become a deacon. Is a deacon expected to take time off fromhis careerto perform his ministries? The bishop also announced the five seminarians will take part in an upcoming Chalice of Salvation televised Mass. First, the deacon is to be active in charitable work and any work of service. Vatican Council II called for the restoration of the diaconate as a permanent ministry in the Church. But what a beautiful feast of Marys Assumption of the celebration and completion of her life and her maternal care for all of us to ordain these five priests for service of the church here in Springfield, Archbishop Rozanski said. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Owerri The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Province (Owerri). ANGLICAN CYCLE: Rejaf The Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Province (Cantral Equatoria). 22-C 10. Canon Eugene A. Stormer, Springfield, IL. A deacon serves the Church in the name of Jesus Christ as an ordained minister. Archbishop-designate Mitchell T. Rozanski, apostolic administrator of the Springfield Diocese, will ordain the men during an 11 a.m. Mass. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Ruaha The Anglican Church of Tanzania. The number of priests in the Springfield Diocese has declined by more than half since the 1950s while the number of Catholics per priests in the diocese is estimated to have risen to about 1,202 Catholics per priest. Sunday, January 8 First Sunday after the Epiphany and The Baptism of Our Lord, ANGLICAN CYCLE: The Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma). Other men, married and single, serve as deacons for life; they are commonly called permanent deacons. Diocesan Pastoral Directory - Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life ofPermanent Deacons in the United States, The Official Handbook of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Springfield, Ministry to the sick and aged, to the widowed and divorced, Religious Education, SacramentalPreparation, Liturgical Celebration (Baptisms, Marriages, Funeral Services, Communion Services, Preaching, Presiding at Prayer Services). SPRINGFIELD With masks and seated every other row, people gathered at St. Michaels Cathedral in Springfield to witness the ordination of five new priests in the Diocese of Springfield. So as they spend their lives serving Gods people, its also important to have the prayers and support of all of our people for these new priests, not just on the day of their ordination, but every day.. He also is completing his priesthood studies at St. Johns Seminary in Brighton. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Osaka The Nippon Sei Ko Kai. To maintain social distancing, the cathedral will be at about 25% capacity for the ordination Mass, said Andrew Hansen, a spokesman for the diocese. The formation of permanent deacons is funded entirely by the Annual Catholic Services Appeal. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Lord God, we ask for knowledge, but even more for imagination. The print editions contain more biographical information than what we can make available on ECDPlus.org. Brian T. Kellington, Central Point, OR; Wedding Anniversary of The Rev. Church Pension Group 19 East 34th Street New York, New York 10016, Copyright 2023 Church Pension Group Services Corporation, Privacy Policy | publication online and, in a more detailed form, in the print editions of The Episcopal DIOCESAN CYCLE: Birthday of the Rev. Does the deacon take the place of such people as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Lectors or Home Visitors? The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops cited a number of reasons for its authorization here including extending needed liturgical and charitable services to the faithful in both large urban and small rural communities.. Reverend Brian Eckrich from Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish, Dell Rapids, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Garretson, and St. Joseph the Workman Parish, Huntimer to Parochial Administrator at St. Rose of Lima Parish, Garretson and St. Joseph the Workman Parish, Huntimer and Sacramental Minister to the South Dakota State Penitentiary and Chaplain to Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. The ministry of deacon must not infringe on the role of the laity. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Rockhampton The Anglican Church of Australia, Province (Queensland). (Lumen gentium, 29). The position, the highest under a bishop in overseeing a diocese and its administrative offices, has been vacant since last summer when the dioceses ninth bishop - Mitchell T. Rozanski - was named Archbishop of St. Louis, and the Rev. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Owo The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Province (Ondo). DIOCESAN CYCLE: Restoration of The Rt. Others, like Michael Meinhart and Dominic Vahling, both of Teutopolis, entered formation after graduating from high school, Alford said. He will be the parochial vicar at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Springfield. Office of the Diaconate ANGLICAN CYCLE: Church of the Province of South East Asia. Marys yes to God continues its story as we ordain these five men for the sanctification of Gods people.. ALBANY, New York (LifeSiteNews) A diocese in the United States has halted the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in parishes following clarifications to the Pope's restrictions . To promote the continued ministry by requiring of Deacons a permanent commitment. Third, while the deacon does not celebrate the Eucharist as do the bishop or priest, he assists at the Eucharist. The Churchs mission is to carry out the mission of Christ and this is done by different people using different gifts, but all working together to build up the Kingdom. Clerical Directory includes full biographical information and ministry history for each clergy member. Last year, five men were ordained priests for the diocese. 1615 West Washington St. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Lord, help us and your whole church to walk as children of the light. In Jesus name we give thanks and praise. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Ottawa The Anglican Church of Canada, Province (Ontario). Christoper Connelly, rector of the cathedral, and Deacons Leo Coughlin, Angel Perez, and Jose Rivera. Most Reverend George J. Lucas Archbishop Rozanski asked about the worthiness of the candidates. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Ordination to the Diaconate, J. Clerical Directory and The Episcopal Church Annual. Byrne, who was installed as bishop here in December, said Piotrs many gifts are well-suited for this time of transition and said the appointment will be full-time to allow me to be bishop, not of an office, but of our diocese.. Wednesday, January 18 Confession of St. Peter, Apostle, ANGLICAN CYCLE: Oxford The Church of England, Province (Canterbury). Welcome to the Diocese of Springfield Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield 65 Elliot St., Springfield, MA 01105 Tel. With this group, Paprocki will have ordained 30 men to the priesthood in his decade here, Alford said. Beagles, Alford said, is proof that the call of the priesthood is still open. Tel: (217) 525-1876 CLERGY WHO HAVE DIED. Also in keeping with ancient practice is the expectation that while a married man may be ordained, an ordained man, if his wife should die, may not marry again without special permission. It should be understood by all to whom the deacon renders service that his family obligations always come first. But we can perform weddings, do baptisms and serve at funerals.. Episcopal Clergy / Parish Finder Apart from liturgy, however, there is no official garb. Six men, including one from Springfield, will be ordained Friday, while one seminarian will be ordained a transitional deacon, the last stop on the way to the priesthood. Cant find what you are looking for? They have two grown sons and three grand-children. The new priests ordained in the Rite of Ordination are Fathers Valentine Nworah, Matthew Barone, Michael Goodreau, Sinh Hong Trinh, and Stanislaus Achu. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Heavenly Father, may we rediscover those deep things on which our life depends. The wives of aspirants and candidates are invited to take part in their formation gatherings. Those numbers, Alford said, will keep the diocese at a good pace as far as a supply of priests, considering inevitable retirements. About the Diocese Offices Careers Contact. Springfield, IL 62702, 1997 - 2023 Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Sunday, February 12 Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, ANGLICAN CYCLE: The Episcopal Church in the Philippines, DIOCESAN CYCLE: St. Pauls, Carlinville, The Rev. The most current print edition is available for purchase on ANGLICAN CYCLE: Oregon The Episcopal Church, Province (VIII (8)). The diocese contains 129 parishes, meaning that a good number of priests serve multiple parishes, Alford said. Deacons may marry before ordination, but a married deacon may not remarry after the death of a spouse and a single deacon must remain celibate. He works with the aged and poor, the sick and suffering, the imprisoned and the burdened, the lowly and the needy, the elderly and all in special need of Christ's presence. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Lord, keep us in your power. Thursday, February 2 Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, ANGLICAN CYCLE: Pennsylvania The Episcopal Church, Province (Candlemas III (3)). churchpublishing.org. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Pyay The Church of the Province of Myanmar. Will we have challenges? ANGLICAN CYCLE: Patna The (united) Church of North India. Pledging a new era of transparency and healing, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield on Wednesday released an updated list of clergy and nonreligious personnel accused of sexual abuse dating back 80 years. Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski celebrated the special 11 a.m. Mass called the Rite of Priestly Ordination. Reverend James Mason from President-Rector at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary to Pastor at Holy Spirit Parish, Sioux Falls, Co-Pastor at St. Lambert Parish, Sioux Falls, and Vicar for Clergy. Ecclesiastical Notary. Bishop Joseph F. Maguire ordained the dioceses first permanent deacons Jan. 15, 1983, and their overall number has declined in recent years in the diocese. PDF Download Version: Diocesan Cycle of Prayer Jan-Mar 2023 final (1), ANGLICAN CYCLE: La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico. Whether it is via email, phone or mail, we look forward to hearing from you. It should be clearly understood that both ordination to the diaconate and marriage are sacraments. However, August 15 will be a special day to be ordained, under the care and protection of Our Lady of the Assumption, said Father Wood. DIOCESAN CYCLE: God, fill us with your grace. He will be assigned where the bishop discerns the need for a deacon (in some place near his home and family, but not necessarily in his home parish). ANGLICAN CYCLE: Rochester (in the United States) The Episcopal Church, Province (II (2)). Sign up to receive diocesan updates in your inbox or on your cell phone. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Rumonge The Anglican Church of Burundi. He is not paid for his ministry. Once assigned to the parish, the deacon and any other clergy assigned to the parish minister under the immediate supervision of the pastor. He has a desire to give as many years as he can (to the priesthood).. Richard I. Lewis, Danville, IL. DIOCESAN CYCLE: Birthday of The Rev. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Otukpo The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Province (Abuja). The ordinations were postponed from May 23 because of state health guidelines designed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Younger men, Alford noted, might relate better to millennials in the pews. The diaconate includes transitional deacons who are men so ordained a year before their ordination to the priesthood while permanent deacons are ordained permanently for that ministry of service. Christine C. Hopkins, Assisting Deacon; Kalemela Parish, Urambo, Tanzania; The Mission of St. Luke, District of Cerro Colorado, Arequipa, Peru, ANGLICAN CYCLE: QuAppelle The Anglican Church of Canada, Province (Ruperts Land). 413-732-3175 contact Mailing Address: P.O. Vatican II decided to restore the Diaconate to a permanent status for many reasons: Charitable service is the main area of the deacons ministry. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. SPRINGFIELD - The Reverend William D. Byrne was ordained as the 10th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, with Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston, as the principal. Regardless when men enter formation, no matter their life experiences, there are gifts fostered that will be a benefit to a parish, Alford said. Sever, Rector; Goweko Parish, Tabora, Tanzania; The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Lima, Peru; Birthday of The Rev. ANGLICAN CYCLE: Recife Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil, Province (3). Diocese of Springfield Massachusetts But the ordination of a man to the diaconate is a public, permanent and visible sign of the official teaching of the Church that everyone must serve. Ordination to the Priesthood 2020 Watch on Read the iobserve.org story All rights reserved. ECDPlus.org displays information about clergy and parishes affiliated with The Formation programs for permanent deacons in diocese must adhere to certain guidelines and directives. No! Its also the dioceses largest group of new priests in 5 1/2 decades. The four-year program involves twice-weekly evening classes at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, and prepares candidates for ordination to assist priests in both liturgical as well as administrative duties and serve where assigned as deacons by the diocesan bishop. Story and photos by Carolee McGrath. A married candidate must also have the support of his wife in seeking ordination and wives are allowed to attend formation classes if interested in learning more about what ordination to the ministry involves.