The Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Ottawa–Cornwall
The Permanent Diaconate is a vocation of service, charity, and witness in the heart of the Church. Permanent deacons are ordained ministers—often married men with families and secular careers—who are configured to Christ the Servant and sent to serve at the altar, in the Word, and especially among those on the margins.
Deacons assist at Mass, proclaim the Gospel, preach, baptize, witness marriages, preside at wakes and funerals, and serve in ministries of charity to the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the forgotten, and the wounded. This is not a “volunteer role,” but a lifelong commitment to serve God’s people in the name of the Church.
Who might be called to the Permanent Diaconate?
Men who are drawn to the diaconate often recognize themselves in one or more of these descriptions:
- The seasoned parish servant:
Already deeply involved in parish life—helping with liturgy, catechesis, outreach, or leadership—and sensing a call to something more. - The man of quiet charity:
Naturally drawn to the sick, the lonely, the poor, the grieving, or those on the fringes, and finding deep peace in serving them. - The married man with a stable family life:
In a strong Catholic marriage, with older children, whose wife shares his love for the Church and supports his desire to serve. - The midlife professional seeking deeper purpose:
Established in his career and finances, now feeling a persistent tug from God to give his time and gifts more explicitly to the Church. - The thoughtful disciple:
Loves Scripture, Church teaching, and learning; eager to grow through structured formation in theology, spirituality, and pastoral ministry. - The bridge-builder:
Someone people naturally turn to—calm in crisis, good at listening, able to bring faith into real-life situations with compassion and clarity.
If you see yourself in even part of this picture, it may be worth asking whether God is inviting you to discern more seriously.
Qualities of a man called to the diaconate
While no one is perfect, the Church looks for certain signs that a man may be called to this ministry:
- Deep faith and love for the Church:
A practicing Roman Catholic, known as a man of prayer, integrity, and fidelity to Church teaching. - Proven service:
Already active in pastoral ministry, showing reliability, zeal for the faith, and a genuine desire to build up the Body of Christ. - Relational maturity:
Able to work well with others, sensitive to people’s struggles, respectful, patient, and capable of real empathy. - Family stability (for married men):
In a valid Catholic marriage, with a strong, supportive relationship; children ordinarily older; wife fully consenting and involved. - Intellectual and personal readiness:
Capable of university-level study or equivalent, open to ongoing learning, and willing to commit to a four-year formation program. - Financial and life stability:
Able to support his family without relying on the diaconate for income, and free enough in his schedule to take on serious formation and ministry.
These qualities don’t appear overnight—they are usually the fruit of years of living the faith. The diaconate recognizes and deepens what God has already begun.
A serious, structured path of formation
Men who enter the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program undertake a four-year journey that includes:
- A first year of guided discernment
- Three additional years of academic, spiritual, liturgical, and pastoral formation
- Weekly evening classes and monthly full-day sessions (September–June)
- Retreats, spiritual direction, and supervised pastoral placements
- Approximately 900 hours of formation over four years
This is a real commitment—but also a profound opportunity to grow in holiness, understanding, and service.
Why consider this call?
Because the Church needs men who are willing to:
- Stand at the intersection of liturgy and life
- Bring the Gospel to the sickroom, the prison, the street, the family table
- Be a visible sign of Christ the Servant in a world that often forgets the poor and the broken
If you have ever felt a quiet, persistent sense that God is asking “more” of you—especially in service to others—the Permanent Diaconate may be part of that call.
Take the next step
If any of this resonates with you—even slightly—don’t ignore it.
- Pray about it.
- Talk to your wife, your pastor, or a trusted spiritual guide.
- Learn more about the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program and what the commitment really involves.
You are not signing your life away by asking questions. You are simply taking seriously the possibility that God may be inviting you into a deeper, more explicit form of service.
Give this call the attention it deserves.
You may discover that the path you’ve been walking for years has been quietly leading here all along.