Deacons and the Diaconate

More than 50 deacons are active in diverse ministries across the diocese, a number that has grown significantly in the last 15 years. They bring the world to the church and bring the church to the world.  They are represented by the Deacons’ Council consisting of lay leaders, priests, and deacons who give voice to the deacon community.

Deacon’s Council

The council’s six guiding principles are to seek input, listen and learn; provide transformative educational opportunities; nurture and deepen robust relationships; give voice and visibility to diaconal leadership in the world; develop and clarify the role of the Deacons’ council, and envision the future.

Members

  • The Rt. Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, Bishop 
  • The Ven Amy Bryan, Archdeacon 
  • The Rev. Dr. Robin Hollis, Deacon & Director of Deacon Formation Canon
  • Janet Beason – COM secretary. 
  • Elaine Pope 
  • The Rev Ben Garren 
  • The Rev Alison Lee

Deacons Council Members as of June 15th, 2022

To get in touch with a member of the Deacons’ Council, please contact them via e-mail.

Deacons’ Council Directory – updated 7/22/21 (password required)

Applying for Postulancy to the Diaconate

Deacon application forms and information about the process can be found on the Commission on Ministry page.

Deacon Formation Academy

The Deacon Formation Academy provides educational and experiential opportunities to prepare individuals for the 21st-century diaconate. The building blocks of this formation, which is grounded in the rule of St. Benedict, are the five “intertwining elements” of academics, ministry, liturgy, exploration, and the world. The two-year formation process includes curriculum-based class sessions, a 6-month internship/field experience, two retreats, journaling/reflection, readings, presentations/writing, and a final essay exam.

Cohorts begin annually in June and progress through the stages of a postulant, candidate, and ordinand. The Academy makes use of a leaders-as-teachers framework, with a faculty led by our bishop and including priests, deacons, and laypeople. They participate in educational activities and receive mentoring for two years after ordination, pursue life-long learning, and receive ministry support with the assistance of the academy and the Deacons’ Council.

Other Resources

2020 Province VIII and VI Deacon’s Conference on Creation Care

Resources from the 2020 Province VIII and VI Deacon’s Conference on Creation Care.