Where was the training for deacons first held and where is it held now?
Training was originally held at St. Agnes Parish and theology education for deacons is now incorporated into the Kino Institute. The first meetings with potential deacons were held at St. Joseph’s Hospital where Bishop McCarthy initially resided and the formal program of formation was held at St. Agnes Parish under the direction of the Carmelites and the diocesan office. Later the theology training for deacons became part of the Kino Institute while direct formation continued under the auspices of the Diocesan Office. Presently, the first two years of theology education of deacons is offered by the Kino Institute while the Office of the Diaconate offers concurrent spiritual formation. The Office of the Diaconate also offers the last two years of study known as “direct formation”.
