Evansville Catholic Diocese
(812) 424-5536
4200 N. Kentucky Ave
Evansville, IN 47711
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The Recruitment Process

The Permanent Diaconate Office is responsible for overseeing and implementing the process of recruiting men to be considered for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese. This will be done in cooperation with the Diocesan Vocations Office, the Pastors, Pastoral Life Coordinators, and other appropriate persons.

The initial recruitment process may differ from later recruitment processes depending on the number of candidates surfaced in the initial process. The intensity of the recruitment may change according to need.

In the first step of the initial process of a re-established permanent deacon program all pastors will be contacted to determine the number of men already known to be interested in pursuing the permanent diaconate. These names will be added to those already on record at the Diocese as interested. A determination at this point will be made by the Bishop, in consultation with the Vocations Director and the Director of the Diaconate Office, to what degree to continue to recruit. Minimally a notice of information sessions for inquirers will be published in all parish bulletins and the diocesan newspaper.

Later processes for recruitment, after the first group of aspirants, are yet to be determined. The Diocese at this time does not intend to begin a "new class" or group each year but will wait to make this determination after it has some experience from the first group. The Diocese will maintain a record of the names of inquirers and discern when the next group would begin the aspirant's path. Therefore, future recruitment efforts over time will be flexible.

Minimal requirements for potential deacons, for recruitment purposes only, include the following:
1) 31 years old;
2) Practicing Catholic residing in the Diocese and registered in a parish of the Diocese;
3) Free of any ecclesiastical irregularities and impediments;
4) A record of ministerial service as a layman;
5) If married, wife's approval; if widowed or single, an awareness of permanent celibacy;
6) Abilities to complete the required formation program;
7) Pastor's approval.

Screening Procedures

The Director of the Permanent Diaconate Office will review all applications to ascertain whether basic requirements have been met and will speak with the candidate's pastor. The application form may be downloaded by clicking here.

If all basic requirements have been met the Director of the Permanent Diaconate Office will schedule an interview with the candidate (and wife). The screening process will include administering the Deacon Perceiver and a psychological evaluation administered by a local qualified counselor.

The following application documents will be required:
 1. Church certificate of Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, issued within last six months.
 2. Proof of age
 3. Completed application form
 4. Recent photograph of applicant and wife
 5. Personal hand-written statement from the wife indicating her initial consent for his application and entrance into program
 6. Letters of recommendation
 7. Recent medical certificate
 8. Official transcript of past or present academic studies
 9. A written report from rector of any seminary/house of formation previously attended
10. Proof of legal residency in Diocese

The Selection Process

All applications will be reviewed by an Admissions Committee appointed by the Director of the Permanent Diaconate Office.  The Committee will then send their recommendations to the Bishop.

The final selection of participants is made by the Bishop.
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