God Calls, We Respond 

A vocation is a response to a specific call that Jesus Christ places on our hearts. It is our individual way of living discipleship in the Church. Our primary call, through the Sacrament of Baptism, is to be a follower (disciple) of Jesus Christ. It is to be a holy person. Within that first call to follow Christ, God calls us in specific ways to live a vocation to the married life, the single life, the consecrated religious life or the ordained life. 

Below is more information for those discerning a call to the diaconate. 

What is a Catholic Deacon?

How does a man become a deacon?

• Be in good standing in the Roman Catholic Church for not less than five years
• Have lived within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles not less than three years
• Have his application actively supported in writing, by his wife and his pastor
• Be at a minimum age thirty and not beyond a maximum age of fifty-five
• A single man must be committed to celibacy subsequent to ordination
• A married man must be committed to celibacy subsequent to ordination should his wife die before him.
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or have evidence of legal residency.
• Have stable employment and a sound financial history
• Be without a criminal record
• Be of sufficient mental and physical health
• Possess a minimum of a high school diploma and be capable of college level studies
• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language Note that work may be submitted . in Spanish (or other language) if the applicant’s first language is not English
• If married, be in a valid Catholic marriage for at least five years.
• Must show a history of active participation in pastoral and liturgical ministry in his parish
• Commit to be present for all required classes, days of reflection, ministry events and retreats throughout the five-year formation program
• Be committed to permanently serving the Archdiocese of Los Angeles after ordination

How do I discern if I'm called to be a deacon?