Welcome to Diaconal Formation and Leadership Today
Explore curated selection of tools, materials, and resources designed to enhance the formation of deacon candidates and provide resources for diaconal ministry and leadership.
Diaconal Formation and Leadership Today is part of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology which is a House of Formation for the Roman Catholic priesthood and the School of Theology of Seton Hall University.
We are a strategic priority under the 4:12 Pathway for Pastoral Leadership initiative to respond to the evolving role of the deacon’s ministry in the 21st century. We offer consistent curated online content in a collaborative community forum to enhance and deepen the dimensions of formation and develop best practices for their implementation.
Our content supports the mission of the Center for Diaconal Formation which provides graduate-level formation, in person or online, in English or Spanish, for permanent diaconate candidates.
Featured Videos
A Chance Encounter with a Former Student and the Future Pope
Deacon Andrew Saunders reflects on his chance encounter with a former student, Deacon Joe Stillo and the future Pope Leo XIV at Sant’ Andrea della Valle in Rome.
Featured Podcasts
A Pilgrimage of Hope to Rome
In this video Deacon Andy Saunders reflects on his pilgrimage to Rome as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope declared by Pope Francis. To see the video, hear the podcast, or read the reflection click on the read more below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4iuZA4iwJk A...
Current News and Events
WWII Diaconate Featuring Fr. John Washington
Part 7 of the diaconate video series with Deacon Andy Saunders and Deacon Ray Duplechain continues from the research library at the National World War II museum in New Orleans. This video highlights Fr. John Washington, a 1935 of Immaculate Conception Seminary School...
The Seeds of the Diaconate Planted at Dachau
Part 6 of the series on the diaconate with Deacon Andy Saunders and Deacon Ray Duplechain was filmed at the National World War II Museum. They discuss the seeds of the renewal of the diaconate coming from the Nazi concentration camp Dachau. Around 2,400 Catholic...
Help us increase our subscriber base!
Greetings subscriber to Diaconal Formation and Leadership Today! Please help us to increase our subscriber base. If you have a friend, aspirant, deacon candidate, deacon or inquirer interested in the permanent diaconate, please encourage them to subscribe to the...
Deacons and Saints
In part 5 of the video series on the diaconate, Deacon Andy Saunders and Deacon Ray Duplechain continue their discussion on the topic of saintly deacons, Mother Teresa, and the communion of saints in their leadership and witness to the people of God. The series was...
The Joy of Diaconal Ministry
In part 4 of the video series on the diaconate, Deacon Andy Saunders and Deacon Ray Duplechain continue their discussion emphasizing the joy of men during formation in relationship to God and others and the joy of diaconal ministry. The series was filmed in New...
Diakonos and Hospitality in the Early Church and Today
The Preaching as Hospitality Formation Program at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology sponsored Diakonos and Hospitality in the Early Church and Today, an Advent morning of reflection, on Saturday, December 13, in Bethany Hall at Seton Hall University,...
The Identity of the Deacon
In part 3 of Diaconal Formation and Leadership Today video series, Deacon Andy Saunders discusses with Deacon Ray Duplechain, Director of the Diaconate for the Archdiocese of New Orleans the Identity of the Deacon. Society often identifies deacons by what we do and...
Deacons: “Driving Force For the Church’s Service”
In part 2 of Diaconal Formation and Leadership Today video series, Deacon Andy Saunders discusses with Deacon Ray Duplechain, Director of the Diaconate for the Archdiocese of New Orleans that deacons have a particular charism of service which is sacramentalized at...
New Video Series on the Diaconate
Diaconal Formation and Leadership Today announces a new video series on the diaconate hosted by Deacon Andrew Saunders, Co-director of the 4:12 Pathway for Pastoral Leadership with Deacon Ray Duplechain, Director of the Diaconate for the Archdiocese of New Orleans....