Deacons complete post-ordination formation

Group 10 Deacons with their wives and the Formation Team members

Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate is not the end of formation. It is the beginning of a deeper life of service, discipleship, and ongoing conversion. This reality was beautifully lived out by the members of Group 10 of the Permanent Deacons as they recently completed the three-year Post-Ordination Formation Program of the Permanent Diaconate of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary.

The group consisted of: Deacon John and Kerry Arbeau, Deacon Bruce and the late Patricia Barnett, Deacon Ferdie and Malou Gayos, Deacon Randy and Marie Gritter, Deacon Thomas and May Ha, Deacon Brian and Linda Kinahan, Deacon Peter and Cyndi Lilienthal, Deacon James and Helen Manzara, Deacon Carlos and Melrose Perez, Deacon Ricardo and Gladys Rosero, Deacon Andrew and Irene Ross, and Deacon Rey and Pam Tadifa.

Many people are familiar with the four-year Permanent Diaconate Formation Program leading to ordination. Running from September to June each year, the program is grounded in the four pillars of formation: human, spiritual, theological, and pastoral development. Candidates dedicate an average of 35 hours each month to formation weekends, supervised pastoral ministry, personal study, retreats, and spiritual gatherings. They are guided by presenters from a wide range of backgrounds, including faculty from St. Mary's University, experienced members of the diaconate community, and mentors from local Toastmasters organizations, to strengthen their communication and preaching skills. 

What is less known, however, is that the journey continues well beyond the ordination ceremony. Following ordination, newly ordained deacons and their wives enter a further three-year period of ongoing formation designed to deepen their identity as ordained ministers and strengthen their ministries within the Church. In addition to regular diocesan Study and Retreat Days shared with the wider diaconate community, the newly ordained group gathers for additional days of instruction, prayer, reflection, and fraternity. 

​Throughout these past three years, Group 10 journeyed together through topics such as Diaconal Identity, Catholic Social Teaching, the Ministry of Charity and Justice, pastoral leadership, sacramental ministry, and the practical realities of serving in parish life. Equally important was the opportunity for the deacons and while ministering in their various parish assignments and communities. These gatherings became more than simply instructional sessions. They became moments of fraternity, mutual encouragement, prayer, and accompaniment — a continuation of the unique bond first formed during their years of initial formation. 

Particularly moving throughout this journey was the loving memory of the late Patricia Barnett, whose presence and witness remain part of the story of Group 10’s formation journey. Her faith and support continue to be remembered with gratitude by the entire community.

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Written by Deacon Greg Bercelon, St. Mary's Cathedral.