For the information of the Archdiocese, I want to share the text of my memorandum to the Parish Priests/Administrators of the Archdiocese regarding the norms for nominating candidates for the Permanent Diaconate Programme.

These norms come from the Code of Canon Law, the Congregation for the Clergy and the programmes of dioceses who have had long experience with the permanent deacon programme. The norms are significant because at issue is entrance into the clerical state.

Introduction

As announced in the May 28 edition of the Catholic News, based on the recommendations of the Synod and the positive responses of sixteen parishes of the Archdiocese to the questionnaire, I have decided to establish the permanent diaconate in the Archdiocese.

My goal is to start the Permanent Diaconate Programme in January of 2007. The September-December period will be devoted to the admissions process for the programme.

I am sending this memorandum in the last week of July because transfers are due in August. The knowledge of parish personnel by the outgoing Parish Priests will be important for submitting informed nominations.

Now that I have approved the permanent deacon programme for the Archdiocese, all parishes may submit two nominees for the programme according to the norms listed below.

All nominations must be submitted to the Office of the Archbishop by September 29, 2006. It may not be possible for all the requirements listed below to be completed by that date.

Please submit what has been completed so a file can be opened on each nominee. In September, the Archbishop’s Office will answer any questions about the norms.

General norms

1) The programme will be a three-year programme of academic, pastoral and spiritual education/formation. It will follow the guidelines from the Congregation for Clergy;
2) The minimum age requirement for ordination is governed by canon 1031. The canon  also allows for a later but not earlier age to be established. In the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, the following norms apply:
2.1- For both unmarried and married candidates, the minimum age for ordination is 35 years old. Therefore, the age for admission into the programme is 32. 
2.2- I have established 65 as the maximum age for ordination to the permanent diaconate in the Archdiocese. Therefore the maximum age for admission to the programme is 62.
3) For candidates who are married, the consent of the candidate’s wife is required.
4) Each parish may nominate no more than two candidates for the first class of those preparing for ordination as Permanent Deacons in the Archdiocese.
5) The Permanent Diaconate is an unsalaried position unless the Permanent Deacon is a full time employee of the archdiocese/parish. All expenses for diaconal ministry are to be met by the archdiocese/parish.

Specific norms

To be nominated by a parish, each candidate must:
1) Submit a letter from his parish priest/administrator testifying that he has been involved in some ministry of the parish/archdiocese for a period of three years and has served well;
2) Submit two letters of recommendation from people who have known him well for a period of at least five years that he is a person of good reputation, intelligent, credible, responsible, prayerful, ecclesial, collaborative and service-oriented.
For married candidates, the letters of recommendation must also verify that the marriage and family life are stable. 
3) Submit a curriculum vitae and a one-page statement why he wishes to become a permanent deacon
4) Have a minimum of five O-Level passes including English;
5) Submit the following documents:
• A recent, passport-size picture;
• A copy of a recent baptismal certificate (not older than six months);
• A copy of a confirmation certificate;
• If married, a copy of the Church marriage certificate;
• A copy of the O-Level certificate and other academic qualifications;
• If married, a written statement from the candidate’s wife that she consents to her husband’s desire to become a permanent deacon.
6) Complete the same requirements for entrance into the seminary programme, namely:
• A recent medical examination;
• The same psychological testing that is required for seminarians;
• An interview with the Admissions Board (the same Board used by the Archdiocese for entrance into Regional Seminary) which will have all the documentation listed above. 

The expenses for the physical examination and psychological testing belong to the candidate.  If a candidate is unable to pay these expenses, assistance should be provided by the nominating parish.

Conclusion

For the first three years, I shall direct the programme personally. I shall work with a five-person committee to be appointed in September.

Eventually, the programme will be turned over to a committee of Permanent Deacons under the supervision of an Episcopal Vicar for the Permanent Diaconate.

I am looking for spiritual, skilled men who are excited about the Church. I need men who have been and are committed to gospel values to work with me, with the clergy and religious of the Archdiocese and with the Councils, Commissions and Secretariats of the Archdiocese to care for God’s People and to build a stable future for the Archdiocese.

My advice to the candidates: “Don’t be afraid!” These same norms have been completed by many other candidates for the permanent diaconate around the world.

I ask the Archdiocese to pray for the successful implementation of this Synod-recommended programme.