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Diocese of Boise Deacon candidates gather for formation weekend
By Marco Roman, Ph.D.
Director of Communications
Deacon candidates from throughout the Diocese of Boise gathered with their wives during a recent October weekend for prayer, fellowship and formation, reflecting their growing commitment to the vocation of the permanent diaconate and the evangelizing mission of the Church.
The weekend began with Bishop Peter F. Christensen presiding over the Institution of Lectors and Acolytes, during which several candidates were instituted into these important ministries as part of their continuing preparation for ordination.
Bishop Peter emphasized the growing need throughout Idaho for faithful, well-formed deacons who, supported by their wives and families, will serve the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Church with generosity, humility and a deep love for Jesus Christ.
The Rites of Institution offered a particularly meaningful foundation for the weekend’s formation. In instituting the lectors, Bishop Peter entrusted each candidate with the Book of Sacred Scripture.
“Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His people,” he said.
Likewise, in instituting the acolytes, the bishop presented each candidate with a vessel containing bread or wine for the celebration of the Eucharist, saying:
“Take this vessel with bread (or wine) for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of His Church.” To each of these solemn exhortations, the candidates responded, “Amen.”
These beautiful words express far more than the responsibilities associated with particular ministries. They introduce fundamental questions that must accompany every candidate throughout his formation: Am I faithfully embracing and living the Word of God that I am called to proclaim? Am I striving for a life of holiness worthy of serving Christ and His Church?
Such questions invite an ongoing examination of one’s conversion, faith and commitment to discipleship. They also anticipate the solemn promises and commitments each candidate will be called to make before the bishop at his ordination to the diaconate.
The weekend continued with formation sessions led by Tish O’Hagan, director of worship for the diocese, and myself, Dr. Marco Roman. The sessions addressed foundational aspects of the Catholic faith and the vocational and ministerial responsibilities awaiting these future deacons.
Throughout the weekend, the candidates and their wives demonstrated an encouraging spirit of active engagement, thoughtful reflection and sincere dedication to their continued formation and discernment. Equally inspiring was the wonderful fellowship shared among the couples, reflecting the bonds of faith, friendship and mutual encouragement that are so important to their journey.
As one of the weekend’s presenters, I was particularly encouraged by the seriousness with which these men and their wives approached their formation and the joy with which they embraced their Catholic faith. Their thoughtful participation reflected a genuine love for Christ, His Gospel and the beauty and depth of the Church’s perennial teachings.
It was especially evident that they recognized the importance of being firmly grounded in the faith, not simply to acquire knowledge, but to grow in holiness and become faithful witnesses capable of contributing to the Church’s evangelizing mission throughout our parishes and communities.
We give thanks to God for these men and their wives, for their generosity in responding to His call and for their willingness to dedicate themselves to the demanding yet beautiful journey of formation. May they continue to grow in faith, holiness and love for the Church, always remembering that the effectiveness of their future ministry will depend upon the depth of their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and their fidelity to His Gospel.
May their lives and future service bear abundant fruit for the Church.
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