Men, do you feel God is calling you to serve in a deeper way in your parish and community? If so, then perhaps you are being called to the permanent diaconate.

Diaconate formation in the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama takes place over a six-year period divided into Inquiry, Aspirancy, and Candidacy. The Inquiry phase occurs before a man can formally apply to the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program. The goals are to help the man and spouse, if married, learn more about the diaconate and the role of deacons in the Church. 

On Aug. 16, the diocesan Inquiry period will begin with the goal of selecting a group of men to continue to Aspirancy, which is slated to start in January of 2026. During formation, monthly one-day sessions at St. Bernard Abbey are held in addition to online classes through the Josephinum Diaconate Institute.  

The diocese is offering two information sessions for those interested in the permanent diaconate. The first will take place June 3 from 6–8 p.m. in St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church’s Holy Family Room. The church is located at 2061 Patton Chapel Road in Hoover. The second session will take place on June 8 from 1-3 p.m. at St. Mary of the Visitation in Trecy Hall. The church is located at 222 Jefferson Street, North in Huntsville.

Director of Formation for the diocesan Permanent Diaconate Program Deacon Jeff Montgomery said, “These information sessions are an opportunity to take the next step in your personal discernment. If you feel God is calling you to serve as a deacon, please join us to learn more about who a deacon is and how the formation process works.”

 Additional information and requirements to enter formation can be found on the Office of Permanent Diaconate’s website, https://www.bhmdiocese.org/office-of-permanent-diaconate. The registration form for the Inquiry can be filled out on the website. Online registration is open now through July 3. 

If you have questions, you can contact Deacon Jeff Montgomery by e-mail at jmontgomery@bhmdiocese.org.