Deacon Formation

NOTE: To support Bishop Lohse's goal of ordaining 8 to 10 permanent deacons every 3 years, the number of candidates accepted into the inquiry phase will be limited to about 16 men during each 3-year cycle. Those who are not accepted into the inquiry phase for one cohort are encouraged to reapply in the future.

Application period opens: 
July 1, 2025

Informational Meetings in the Deaneries:
August 4 - August 15, 2025

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

Interviews:
October 1 - October 31, 2025

Admissions Committee and Bishop's Approval:
November & December 2025

Notification Letters sent to Applicants:
Mid-December 2025

Choose Your Preferred Format:

• A fillable PDF version for digital completion and submission.
• A printable PDF version for manual completion and mail-in submission.

Filling Out the Form:

• If completing electronically, please be sure to save frequently as you complete the form
• If completing by hand, please use blue or black ink and write clearly and legibly in all fields.

Important:

• Handwritten entries must be legible to be accepted.
• If your handwriting is difficult to read, please consider using the electronic fillable form instead to ensure your application will be accepted.

 
Submitting the Application:

• Digital applications can be submitted via email to deaconformation@diokzoo.org (with the required supporting documentation either scanned and submitted electronically or mailed separately).
• Printed applications (and the required supporting documentation) should be mailed to: