Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Bishop John Noonan will ordain 18 men to the Order of Deacon in Orlando on June 8. The formation program for these deacons has been 15 years in the making and is designed to help individuals discover their inner servant. Deacon Joe Gassman, the secretary for Leadership and Parish Life, emphasized the importance of human formation in the program, stating, “We’re not teaching people to be deacons. We’re helping them discover themselves and that servant within and help it come out. Human formation has been the cornerstone of our program.”

Deacon Dave Camous, the director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Orlando, highlighted the four dimensions that the formation program focuses on: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. He emphasized that the goal is to form an entire person who embodies the qualities of Christ the Servant in the community.

The program includes five years of formation, with each year addressing different aspects such as self-identity, communication in ministry, relationships, conflict resolution, and more. Additionally, the program offers certification or a master’s degree in theology through St. Leo University, with the inclusion of wives of the men in formation to also earn the degree or certificate.

Deacon Noonan expressed his support for the evolution of the diaconate program, stating, “If you don’t use all four pillars, you’re not going to get the right outcome. It’s like telling Henry Ford to assemble a car, but don’t put wheels on it.” He commended the efforts of those involved in refining the program and emphasized the importance of discernment in the selection process.

Deacon Joseph Bellissimo, who was ordained in 2022, praised the integrated formation program, saying, “(Formators) are not just making deacons. They’re not making anything. They’re validating men who were already dedicated to God and giving them the tools and gifts to be what they already are, but better imitators of Christ.”

The program’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident as Deacons Camous and Gassman work to enhance participants’ understanding of diverse cultures and provide support to deacons in their first year after ordination. The efforts to meet the guidelines set by the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons reflect a dedication to preparing individuals for their roles as deacons in the community.

The ordination ceremony for the permanent diaconate will be held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando on June 8, 2024, at 10 a.m. For more information on the diaconate program, individuals can call 407-246-4898.

This article was written by Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff on April 25, 2024.