Local

FORMATION CONTINUES FOR DEACONS

CANDIDATES AND THEIR WIVES MEET ONLINE TO PURSUE SPIRITUAL STUDIES

By Deacon Frank Chavez     4/23/2020

Despite the challenges and realities of the current health crisis, formation has continued for deacon aspirants, candidates and their wives. All classes and spiritual formation days are now conducted online. 

Thirteen candidates and their wives are currently enrolled in classes on canon law and the Synoptic Gospels with courses in English and Spanish. The men are preparing for ordination in the fall of 2021. Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk, a canon lawyer and vicar general of the Diocese of Orange, is teaching canon law classes in English. 

Also currently in formation are 22 aspirants and their wives. English speakers are enrolled in Liturgy of the Hours and History of the Church, while Spanish speakers are studying The Eucharist and History of the Church. The men in this class are preparing for ordination in 2023. 

The aspirants and their wives, who are completing their first year in formation, have also experienced their monthly formation day online. Father John Galvan, SJ, is guiding the class through Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, the focus of spiritual formation during their first year. 

The aspirants and their wives also meet with a spiritual director twice each month as they experience the Spiritual Exercises. 

Formation classes are normally conducted at the Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center which is now closed as part of the diocese’s commitment to social distancing directives.