TRENTON, NJ — This fall, the Diocese of Trenton will implement a restructured deacon formation program that will provide shorter, more integrated training.

Based on feedback from those who have recently completed their diaconate formation and those currently enrolled, the new program will be shortened from five to four years, with the current fifth year of practicum integrated into the summer months and throughout the academic periods. Candidates for the ordination class of 2027 will be the first in the four-year format; those further along in formation will also benefit from the tailored approach.

“The most important emphasis is on integrating the academic, the pastoral and the practical,” said Father Christopher Colavito, the diocese's vocations officer and director of deacon formation. “The academic must not be overemphasized at the expense of the other two, and the pastoral must be integrated into the journey.”

With the approval of Trenton Bishop David M. O'Connell, Father Colavito developed the changes and served on a committee at Seton Hall University in South Orange that helped revise the curriculum.

“Of the dioceses that participated in the Seton Hall University program, we were the only one that offered a five-year program,” he pointed out in an interview with TrentonMonitor.com, the diocese's online news site. “And in meetings with the 2023 graduates, the biggest complaint they made was the gap between May and September… and it was too academic and not focused on the purpose and intent of the diaconate as preparation for parish ministry.”

In addition to shortening the program length, it was also necessary to eliminate redundant content and add courses that would better prepare candidates for their unique role, Father Colavito said.

“This created the opportunity to offer a course on evangelism and apologetics,” he explained. “There will also be a course on current issues that addresses specific moral issues of the moment.”

During the summer, candidates continue to meet weekly to integrate the course material, learn how to apply it in diaconal ministry, and practice things like preaching and baptisms.

Through the restructuring, Father Colavito emphasizes a thorough knowledge of the General Introduction to the Roman Missal and the ability of candidates to approach the liturgy in a way that glorifies God and edifies his people at all times.

In addition, he is working to change the image of the role of the deacon throughout the Catholic community.

“Their main task is to serve – and that is not limited to the liturgy and the priest,” he explained.

To this end, Father Colavito has encouraged candidates to apply theological concepts on the same topic to groups of different ages and backgrounds—for example, both middle school confirmation candidates and those participating in the adult Christian initiation ceremony who may have a Protestant faith background.

“We need to expand the understanding and application of the diaconate, especially since our people are among the few in the United States who earn a master's degree. We should take advantage of it,” he said.

Father Colavito stresses that the spouses and pastors of the candidates for the diaconate are two groups that need to be involved in the process as much as possible. He plans to ask the pastors of the potential candidates to attend the information sessions scheduled for September and October. He will also invite the spouses to participate in several social and non-academic meetings throughout the formation program.

Ultimately, he hopes the program changes will provide candidates with better preparation for their service as deacons in their congregations, in whatever role the office allows them. “They should bring their personal strengths and share them with others, and they should also be humble enough to learn.”

For Father Colavito, it is about “providing a more accurate and comprehensive idea of ​​what a deacon is and then living accordingly.” He added: “Although preaching is the most public aspect of the diaconate, we cannot limit it to that.”