Eparchial school to focus on diaconate (06/28/98)

Eparchial school to focus on diaconate

PARMA, Ohio - The Eparchy of St. Josaphat is opening an eparchial school to prepare candidates for the permanent diaconate. Under the direction of Bishop Robert Moskal, a four-year program has been formulated, with hopes of opening the school in September.

The program will be held one weekend a month for 10 months per year. Candidates will have to complete 100 hours of classroom work per year, leading to 400 hours of class necessary for consideration for ordination to the diaconate. This is in conjunction with practical work in local parishes. In this way the candidate can also get accustomed to the service role to which a deacon is called - not only swinging the "kadylo," but also the personal care of the faithful.

Classes are scheduled to be held at St. Vladimir's Institute in New Kensington, Pa. Interested persons should ask their pastors about the program so that they can request all the information for candidates. The permanent diaconate is one of parochial care and a sponsoring local parish is needed to enter the program.