Purpose

Deacon School is designed for the preparation of those who have gone through the diocesan discernment process and been approved as postulants to the diaconate (towards ordination as vocational deacons). Tuition is $1,000 each year with an expectation of the sponsoring congregation covering part or all of this tuition.

The role of the permanent deacon is to be a servant minister, symbolizing the servanthood of Christ. Each deacon, therefore, is involved in one or more community ministries. The deacon is to bring the needs of the world to the church, and necessarily therefore is out in the world for most of his/her ministry.

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Preparation for Ministry

Spiritual and community formation are vital parts of Deacon School which has a dean, faculty and curriculum. Over the course of two years, students are required to complete:

• Four courses in each of four semesters (January-May, September-December): Christian Spirituality I,II,III; Homiletics; The Diaconate I-IV; New Testament I,II ; Old Testament I, II; Theology I, II; and Church History I, II.
• an individual retreat every year
• field education: placement for a three month period (summer) to do ministry in a different congregation; supervised
• Summer intensive outreach/pastoral care community experience, supervised

Deacons have a particular role as servant ministers and the curriculum reflects this perspective. Students take part in assisting at Eucharistic services and leading and assisting at the Evening or Morning Prayer.

2019 Courses

2019 courses are taught over nine Saturdays at St. Anne Episcopal Church, De Pere and individually as needed

• Theology taught by the Rev. Glenn Kanestrom, Rector, St. Paul Marinette
• New Testament  taught by the Rev. Barb Sajna, Rector, St. Luke, Sister Bay
• Homiletics taught by the Rev. Dr. Jim Trainor, Retired
• Diaconate taught by the Ven. Michele Whitford, Vicar, St. Paul Plymouth and Associate, Grace, Sheboygan
• Christian Spirituality taught by the Rev. Dr. Mary Tainor, Retired.
  

​The Rev. Mary Trainor serves as the Dean of the Deacon School.

Past Courses AvaiLable

Thanks to Grace Abounds, a ministry of Grace Episcopal Church, Sheboygan, some Deacon School courses are available for viewing. There is no fee to view courses, but a gift of at least $10 per session is suggested to help underwrite costs. Because payment is not required, your gift may be tax-deductible.

View Past Courses

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