The Eparchy of Saskatoon is pleased to launch a NEW Eparchial Diaconate Program in the Fall of 2025!
This program is tailored for men discerning a vocation of service, seeking to enrich their understanding of Eastern Christian theology, and aspiring to commit to the Church’s mission through ordained diaconal ministry. It is not a shortcut or pathway towards priesthood, rather a formation journey for men who are sincerely interested in exploring the possibility of ordained service in the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church.
The Diaconate Program is an adapted formation for those who are unable to enter a multi-year full-time traditional seminary formation, especially those who remain in a stable career and have a family with obligations. As such, we will offer online AND in-person formation as part of this program.
The Eparchy of Saskatoon will offer an initial time of basic Eastern formation, while beginning a discernment time with each prospective candidate in an online Lay Leaderships Program. This phase allows men to strengthen their service in the Church through education in our Eastern Christian tradition, and aspire to contribute more profoundly in catechesis, faith formation, and pastoral care, and apply it within their parish districts, or an outside ministry. Upon successful mutual discernment and completion of the initial intake process, candidates will have the opportunity to proceed further towards an online Diaconal Formation Program with a more academic stream.
The program is not offered exclusively online, requiring an additional 3 formation weekends per year (dates TBD), above and beyond the regular online courses taken through Newman Theological College (NTC). These formation weekends provide additional training with time to be formed liturgically, be given preaching practice, instruction on diaconal service, pastoral skills, fellowship and sharing with other candidates, and time for spiritual direction and retreat.
As part of ordained ministry formation, those preparing for diaconate are required to be formed within the 4 Pillars of Formation:
1. Intellectual Formation
2. Spiritual Formation
3. Human Formation
4. Pastoral Formation
The Intellectual Formation will be offered through NTC in 2 Phases: in the Lay Leadership Formation Program and the Diaconal Formation Program.
1. Phase 1 — Lay Leadership Program (6 courses per year = 2 yrs minimum online)
a. Certificate in Eastern Christian Traditions
b. Certificate in either Pastoral Care, Catechesis, or Social Justice
2. Phase 2 — Diaconal Formation Program (2 yrs minimum online)
a. Certificate of Theology Program — Diaconate in Eastern Christian Churches
The Spiritual Formation will take place within one’s parish and over one of the 3 annual weekends spent in retreat (dates TBD), small groups and spiritual direction (on the weekends and throughout the year). Spiritual formation of a candidate starts with the fundamental call to discipleship and continual conversion to live in intimate union with the Holy Trinity (PDV 45). This comes together through a profound devotion to the Eucharist and the liturgical life of the Church, regular Confession, spiritual direction, a love of Sacred Scripture, a spirit of meditation and devotion, love of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a life of simplicity and holy obedience. Each candidate will become accustomed to our traditional Eastern spirituality in prayer, teachings, and practices.
The Human Formation will take place within one’s parish will be offered throughout the weekends. Each candidate will come with a certain amount of life experience (some more than others). Nonetheless, each will require ongoing maturity and growth in virtue, and as such, will be taught and offered practical experiences to learn conflict resolution, self-knowledge, and more about one’s strengths/personality. As one is stretched in social settings, one learns more about themself. Candidate must be genuinely free, of good moral character, prudent, be a man of discernment, empathy and both an active listener and good communicator.
The Pastoral Formation will begin in their second year and will be offered on weekends will include the practice of listening skills within numerous settings and being mentored within many pastoral settings accompanying their parish priest (or delegate). Pastoral formation aims to round the individual into an effective public minister, drawing together the previous three pillars in pastoral application. This is typically achieved through regular pastoral placements covering a wide range of pastoral situations. Candidates may be offered a mini-CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) or be encouraged to take CPE as an official unit of their formation. Diaconal candidates may be provided with experience aiding them to minister to people dealing with grief, mental health, conflict, organizing and leading meetings, chaplaincy, and facilitating the needs of people towards a spiritual plan.
In addition to the 4 Pillars of Formation above, each Diaconal Candidate will require Liturgical Training, especially in their final year of formation. Liturgically, each candidate will need to be familiar with serving at the altar alongside a priest during the Hours, Holy Mysteries (Divine Liturgy, Baptism, Chrismation, Crowning) and at Funerals. Special attention will need to be given to Holy Week services and to chanting/singing the deacon’s parts. Training and time will need to be given to preaching practice in various settings: Sundays, weekdays, funerals, baptisms, weddings, reflections shared with organizations and meetings.
Applications Process and Steps:
1. Completion and Submission of the Diaconate Program Application Form
2. Interview with representatives of the Diaconal Vocations Committee
3. Home Interview
4. Diaconal Committee Review and Approval
5. Acceptance into Lay Leadership (Phase 1)
6. Mid-term Discernment and Assessment
7. Psychological Evaluation
8. Review and Approval of Bishop (and Consultors)
9. Acceptance into the Diaconal Program (Phase 2)
Financial Cost:
Initially, the cost for the first phase of 2 years online Lay Leadership program will be split between the candidates and their parish district. Currently, NTC charges $540/yr. Funding for the second phase of the Diaconal Formation Program, which is currently around $5,500/yr, is anticipated to be secured through grants and Eparchial funds.
The Formation Weekend locations, and costs associated with it, are still TBD. Instructor honorariums, mileage, and any reimbursable expenses will need to be assessed.
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