What should I do if I'm feeling called to the Diaconate? 

Talk with your Rector/Priest-in-Charge/Vicar.  They can walk with you through the discernment process in your diocese.

 

How do I enroll in the Diaconal Program? 

Actually, you don't.  Once your bishop has determined that you are ready for formation for the Diaconate, they will notify the WCC to admit you to the program.  That's the only path for enrolling in our Diaconal Program.

 

So I'm in the discernment process. What should I expect if the Bishop sends me to the WCC's Diaconal Program? 

• It's a two-year program, running from February the first year through December the second year, with several gathering each month over that time.

• We meet on Thursday evenings via Zoom, typically from 5 pm to 9 pm.  

• Our typical calendar looks like this but there are variations each year due to holidays and other events.  So set aside every Thursday evening for these two years.

  • February - December:

    • Second Thursday: Diaconal 1 or Diaconal 2

    • Third Thursday: Spirituality 1 or Spirituality 2 (Field Placement)

    • Fourth Thursday: Preaching or History/Theology/Ethics

  • January between Year 1 and Year 2

    • Three Thursdays - Asset Based Community Development training (ABCD)

    • Final Thursday - Final session of Diaconal 1

  • There is an annual in-person gathering in August.

    • It is held in one of the three WCC dioceses.

    • It's typically the second weekend of August but varies.  Best not to schedule something weekends in August until the dates are confirmed each year.

 

Where is the material for the various courses (we call them modules)? 

The WCC is part of the Iona Collaborative out of the Seminary of the Southwest.  We use much of the materials they make available to Iona schools.  We also use their Google Classroom platform for the various modules.  One of the first things that happens when you begin the program is that you'll receive an Iona/Seminary of the Southwest email address that will get you into your Google Classrooms.   

 

How much time will the preparation take?

Every student is different but typically students spend about 4 - 8 hours per month per module. 

 

Technology is hard for me.  Will I be able to do this program? 

Yes!  The mentors work closely with students each year to familiarize them with the technology and support them to a level of competence necessary to complete the program. 

 

Do I complete the program on my own? 

One of the hallmarks of this formation program is that it is completed in cohorts and in community.  You will have other students from the WCC dioceses preparing for the Diaconate with you all those Thursday evenings over the two years.  You'll work on projects together, you'll pray together, you'll share with one another.  And you'll gather with one another in-person each August.

 

How much does it cost?

Our annual tuition for the Diaconal Progarm was $2100 in 2025.  It will likely increase by $300 in 2026.  The tuition covers all of your Modules for the full year, mentors who accompany you in each Module, and access to the Google Classroom platform.  You will only need to cover the costs of books and the annual in-person gathering—registration, travel, and some meals.  There are scholarship programs available.

 

What if I already successfully completed the WCC Preaching Program?

That's not uncommon.  In such instances, you'll only take Diaconal 1 and Spirituality 1 in your first year.  Your tuition will be prorated to reflect not taking this Module.

 

What if I have other questions? 

Reach out to the WCC Dean in your diocese.