In 1982, under the guidance of Msgr. Pat Stilla, a team of volunteers implemented a formation program for the permanent diaconate in our diocese. In September of 1983, the first three and a half year formation began. With time set aside for prayer and discernment, four years of preparation is the norm for each candidate. Other programs have been held starting in 1991, 1996 and 2005. The first deacon was ordained in our diocese in January 1987 and, most recently, Bishop Colli ordained eight men in September 2008.

The program consists of seven training weekends with mandated reading and seminar sessions in between. Each weekend is structured so we have eight input sessions (approximately 16 hours) and discussion groups for the candidates. The presenters are experts in their fields. The topics covered include: the Sacraments and Liturgy, Diaconate and Church History, Scripture and Homiletics, Pastoral Care and Ministry, Prayer, Christology, Ethics, Canon Law Spirituality and Prayer and Theology. The seventh training weekend each year is a retreat. Each topic is covered in increasing depth during each successive year. Ecumenism is included especially during the final academic year. The final courses are primarily practicuums in the diaconal ministry. All four programs, which have been completed so far, have followed a similar format. We attempt to enhance the knowledge and skills — the “gifts” that our candidates already have. The time frame has remained the same and the content/topics have been similar, although the presenters have varied. The wives of married candidates normally complete the program and so are more aware of the commitment that their husbands are making. Some of them choose to be mandated to service in the diocese by the bishop at the same time that their husbands are ordained. They are given the title “Ministers of Service” and several have accepted major responsibilities in diocesan ministry.

Deacons minister under the guidance of our Bishop in the servant model of Christ, who “came not to be served but to serve.” We are to animate lay ministries in the name of the Church in our parishes in cooperation with our priests, and we serve in our communities wherever we find a need. Altogether, there are 30 active deacons and four who have retired from active ministry. One of our retired deacons was ordained in Oklahoma in 1978. In addition, there are 22 Ministers of Service currently active (as of December 2008).

Permanent deacons in Thunder Bay are serving in a variety of ways. Parish sacramental preparation and visiting as well as ministry on the altar are only a small part of our service. One of our deacons is responsible for the Life in the Spirit program in our diocese. Two deacons operate the Catholic Action/St. Vincent de Paul Store, which helps the needy find clothing and furniture and other essentials thanks to generous donations from people in our community. Two others minister to “street people” in their communities. One deacon is responsible for overseeing the Diocesan Refugee Committee (D.O.O.R.S.). Several deacons visit the sick and the shut-ins in hospital and at home. As well, deacons minister at local senior citizen homes and one deacon visits our local correctional facility. Another deacon has taken responsibility for the next formation program for new deacons and three diaconate couples are responsible for on-going formation for deacons and their wives. Six of our deacons work directly with the First Nations people including, of course, our five Native deacons.

Ministers of Service work in a variety of parish ministries either with their husbands or on their own, often with other parishioners. One of our Ministers of Service is chair of the Diocesan Office of Worship and another works with her deacon/husband organizing the Diocesan Refugee Committee. Three of the Ministers of Service are on the Formation Team as teachers and catering staff and our three Native Ministers of Service work directly with their First Nations brothers and sisters.