Twelve years ago, as I was nearing the end of my diaconate studies and formation, I spent five days on a canonical retreat. This pre-ordination retreat is a sacred and essential moment in the journey of Holy Orders.  Required by Canon Law, it provides candidates with intentional time away from daily responsibilities to enter into silence, prayer, and deep reflection. The Church recognizes that ordination, whether transitional or permanent, marks a profound change in a man’s identity and mission. As the Director of the Permanent Diaconate for our diocese, I have both the privilege and responsibility to mentor our deacon candidates. This week I join five men on retreat prior to their July ordination.

This retreat allows candidates to deepen their relationship with Christ, reflect on the promises they will soon make, and discern their readiness with clarity and freedom. It prepares them spiritually for a life of service and strengthens their communion with the Church and its mission. While both transitional and permanent deacons share this foundational experience, the focus of their retreats differs because their vocations unfold in distinct ways.

For transitional deacon candidates, the retreat is shaped by their path toward priesthood. These men are seminarians who will serve as deacons for a relatively short period of time before priestly ordination. As a result, their retreat emphasizes the diaconate as a step within priestly formation. The spiritual conferences and periods of reflection often center on celibate chastity, priestly spirituality, and the promises they will soon make as future priests. The tone tends to be more formation‑oriented, helping them transition from academic life to the pastoral responsibilities they will soon assume. Their retreat looks ahead not only to diaconal service but also to the priestly identity they are preparing to embrace.

For permanent deacon candidates, the retreat marks the beginning of a lifelong vocation in the diaconate. These men are often married, employed, and deeply rooted in family and community life. Their retreat therefore focuses on integrating ordained ministry with the realities of marriage, family responsibilities, and secular work. The spirituality emphasized is one of service grounded in everyday life, being a bridge between the Church and the world. In many dioceses, the candidate’s spouse participates in portions of the retreat, acknowledging the world  The tone is pastoral and practical, aimed at helping candidates understand how their ministry will unfold within the rhythms of their existing commitments.

There are a few elements that differ between the two diaconal retreats. Transitional deacons prepare for a ministry that anticipates priesthood, with an emphasis on preaching, teaching, and liturgical leadership as preparation for future sacramental responsibilities. Permanent deacons, by contrast, prepare for ministries rooted in charity, outreach, and pastoral presence within the parish and local community. And while transitional candidates focus on celibate priestly identity, permanent candidates reflect on holiness within marriage and the call to serve while remaining fully present to their families.

At the heart of this call to Holy Orders lies the moment when the bishop lays his hands upon the candidate, invoking the Holy Spirit and linking him to the unbroken apostolic tradition. This gesture, simple yet immense in meaning, signifies that the man no longer serves by his own strength but is configured to Christ the Servant for the sake of the Church. Entering retreat with this reality in view invites a deeper surrender, a readiness to be shaped, claimed, and sent by God.

Please join me in praying for our five deacon candidates: James Haston, Kevin Haverly, Howard Mohn, Steve Reddin, and Mike Wilson. May the grace of the Holy Spirit prepare their hearts and clarify the call as they embrace a life of service.