St. Stephen
Deacon & Protomartyr

"Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:56)

The Deacon Formation Program of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee falls under the responsibility of the Director of Formation for Permanent Deacons, Deacon Gerard Williamson, who is assisted by a Formation Team consisting of priests and other deacons and wives. For those who are interested, here are the General Admission Requirements to apply for the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. For additional information or questions, please contact the Formation Director via email at Deacon Gerard Williamson, or by calling the Office of the Diaconate at the Pastoral Center in Pensacola, 850-435-3531.

The five-year program begins with nominations from the Pastor of your local parish. After a period of screening, interviews, and recommendations, men are chosen to enter the first year, or Year of Discernment. The purpose of this year is to assist the individual, through prayer and reflection, to discern as to whether they believe they have a call to the Diaconate.

Those chosen to enter the program begin an intense academic program in the Institute for Ministry Formation (IMF), managed by the Office of Christian Formation. Here are the current Diaconal Classes offered in our diocese.

The most important aspect of the program concerns the spiritual growth of those who have been selected, along with their families. This responsibility falls into the hands of the Co-Directors of Spirituality, Rev. Michael Flynn and Rev. Paul White. With the help of the formation team, each candidate selects a Spiritual Director, a Priest, who can assist and guide the formation candidate on the path to ordained ministry. The Spiritual Co-Directors provide essential spiritual exercises during retreat sessions each month to keep students focused on God and listening for His call.