Our Vision Statement
The Institute for Diaconate Renewal offers opportunities for the renewal and deepening of the spiritual life of the deacon. This renewal occurs in the revitalization of the deacon’s filial relationship with the Father; the strengthening of his sacramental identity as Icon of Christ the Servant; and the deepening of his mission as one empowered by the Holy Spirit sent in mission by the Bishop. This renewal fosters integral human development and maturation as it addresses the universal hunger for loving intimacy with the Triune God through ongoing conversion to Christ, who came to serve and not be served (Mk. 10:45).
Our Mission Statement
We offer opportunities for human formation which grounds, deepens, renews and revitalizes the deacon’s encounter with Christ the Servant, who came “not to be served but to serve ” (Mk. 10.45).
Five core values guide our mission.
1) The Primacy of the Interior Life
This primary core value focuses on a life of prayer and grace. We contextualize it within the sacraments and liturgy, virtue formation, and discernment of spirits. This graced interior life integrates human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation.
2) Human Maturation and Integration
We assist in the process of human maturation, the integration of a man’s relational, emotional, psychological and physical life. The goal is that the deacon may grow into a “mature manhood…, into the measure and stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4.13).
3) Diaconate Theological Forum
We advance the theological understanding of the diaconate within the context of a forum of contemplative theological reflection, the fruits of which we offer to the broader ecclesial community.
4) Collegial Fraternity
We utilize a contemplative approach in our decision making, a disposition that enhances Christian fraternity.
5) A Locus and Bridge for Collaboration
We seek to serve as a locus and bridge for internal and external collaboration which advances the formation of candidates, deacons, and deacon formators.
We deploy these five core values in four fundamental ways:
(1) deepened spiritual formation, (2) diaconate theological forums, (3) certification in spiritual direction, (4) workshops in support of diocesan diaconate formation programs.
Our Impact
The reach we are having is happening right now. We have extended our contemplative retreats into Florida, Kansas, Ohio, West Virginia, and Illinois. On top of that, we offer consultation services to deacons and deacon formators. Experience a fraction of our offerings by watching talks from our past speakers.
Organize your next retreat with us.
“My experience here was wonderful. It was such a good thing to just unplug from life and plug into the Lord. One of the most important things that came out early in the retreat week was that you can’t be a good deacon without interiority. Our diaconate has to flow from our interiority. Speaking personally, I can tell you it’s very easy to lose that… So if any of you have not done a retreat… or if you just need some time to plug into the Lord. I would highly recommend this retreat.”
Dcn. Mark Mies
Retreat Participant
Archdiocese of Kansas City