Role of Wives

The Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons says: “…Moreover, in addition to stability of family life, married candidates cannot be admitted to formation programs unless ‘their wives not only consent, but also have the Christian moral character and attributes which will neither hinder their husbands ministry nor be out of keeping with it.’” Paragraph 37

The Deacon Formation Program provides opportunities for growth, enrichment, and information needed by wives to make such a decision – to ascertain her compatibility with her husband’s diaconal vocation and eventual ministry, and to offer continued formation so that she may give her informed consent to her husband’s participation. In fact, four times during the formation process, wives are required to give consent for their husbands continued participation in formation: prior to Candidacy, Institution as Reader and Acolyte, and prior to Ordination.

Wives are required to participate fully during the years of formation. They attend with their husbands all of the academic as well as formation sessions offered by the School of Ministry and the Deacon Formation Program. This includes weekend classes, retreats and participation in all Rites.

Wives of Aspirants and Candidates invariably grow and benefit enormously as they accompany their husbands in the formation program. Not only are they nurtured and nourished, as are their husbands, by intellectual and spiritual development of their faith, they also are introduced to the variety and scope of ministries through a number of assignments. This not only better prepares them for their husband’s ordination and ministry, but allows them to discover their own gifts and talents as they ponder the ministerial possibilities they see for themselves as lay ministers in the Church.