Dear Father or Deacon,

This message contains some critical information on our future Common Formation Process to form permanent deacons and lay ecclesial ministers.  Attached you will find three documents that will be important for you to maintain or to share with candidates for the Common Formation Process.  The attached documents include an outline of the CFP calendar for the coming calendar year, the Registration Form for the July Information Sessions (there will be five sessions held in different parts of the diocese), and a timeline and list of prerequisites, including information for pastors.

Please be advised that we are aggressively seeking an educational component that could be completed entirely in Spanish or English, including required theological readings, writing papers, and taking examinations.  

Those interested in formation for the permanent diaconate must be between ages 40 and 60 at the time of application.   Applicants should not have small children still residing in their homes as we do not want to compromise the critical value of family life.  

Those applying for the Common Formation Program must complete Level I Ministry Certification (or an equivalent program) by February 2022. Applicants may use Jordan Ministry Team, the Diocese of Tucson’s Spanish Language Program, or another pre-approved program.

Attendance at one of the information sessions is required for anyone interested in the Common Formation Process--whether applying for the permanent diaconate or lay ecclesial ministry certification.

All questions, correspondence or contact should be addressed to Ofelia James at the Chancery.  

Lastly, please note a slight change of name from the Common Formation Program to the “Common Formation Process.”  As we are expanding formation to include post-ordination/post-commissioning it seems the language of “program” does not accurately fit our identity, which is more of an ongoing process.

I am deeply grateful to Bro. Silas Henderson, Sr. Lois Paha, and Ofelia James for their continuing commitment to these vital offerings.

May God bless you abundantly,

+Edward J. Weisenburger

The Common Formation Program (CFP) is a four-year program that prepares candidates for Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate or for Lay Ecclesial Ministry (LEM) Certification.

Completion of Level 1 Sessions are reqiured to apply for the Diaconate Program. Deaconate Program applications are submitted in February 2022. Level 1 Ministry Certification Sessions will help you descern your calling to become a Deacon.

Level I Sessions (Basic) Ministry Certification - Start Augusts 7th 2021
This 21-class series explores the elements of the Catholic Faith and is recommended for catechists, Catholic school teachers, liturgical ministers, those discerning diaconal and lay ecclesial ministry, and for anyone who would like to learn more about our Catholic Faith and its traditions. Certificates of completion are offered for each session attended.

“The Church is the communion of those called by Christ to be his disciples.”—Coworkers in the Vineyard of the Lord

“The witness of catechists and teachers of the faith also creates and fosters a culture of witness. Catechists, together with the pastors of the Church, are entrusted with the duties of teaching the faith, overseeing sacramental preparation, supporting the formation of consciences, and developing a love of prayer in those they catechize. Catechists, who are dedicated disciples of Christ, provide a powerful witness to the Gospel.”
— United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, "Disciples Called to Witness"

Jordan Ministry Team is a collaborative ministry of the Salvatorian Family (Priests, Brothers, Deacons and the Layity.)
The Society of the Divine Savior. www.salvatorians.com