The deacon formation program for the Diocese of Gallup will begin the recruitment process for the next cohort of deacon candidates with “Come and See” weekends.

The weekends are scheduled for February 17-19, 2023 and April 21-232023, at Sacred Heart Retreat Center near Gallup. Prospective candidates do not need to attend both – only whichever is more convenient for their schedule. Prospective candidates are invited to join in a regular formation weekend that the current candidates are attending.  Visitors will join the candidates in prayer, discernment, Mass, and classes.  A separate informational session will be provided during the weekend for the prospective candidates and their wives.  “Come and See” visitors are guests of the diocese and there is no fee.  We begin on Friday evening around 6:00 pm with a light meal and welcome and we conclude with the 11:00am Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Eligibility for this event requires the endorsement of the pastor/administrator of the parish.  Pastors are asked to discern potential candidates to send to this event.  Candidates should, if married, be in stable, healthy marriages.  Numerous previous marriages, even with ecclesiastical annulments, can be problematic, but it is on a case-by-case basis.  Men considering the diaconate should already have a presence in parish ministry and known to be kind, levelheaded and devoutly Catholic.  They should be a minimum of 30 years old by the Fall of 2025.  While there is a recommended maximum age, older men in good health are always seriously considered, also on a case-by-case basis.

All names and permissions have to be received by February 12 or April 16, 2023, so we can prepare sufficient lodging and meals.

If interested, contact Deacon Timoteo Lujan at [email protected]