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 a strategic initiative under the 4:12 Pathway for Pastoral Leadership grant 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.
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
The Monstrance at the Old Ursuline Convent
While working on the strategic diaconate initiatives project of The 4:12 Pathways for Pastoral Leadership grant, I seized the opportunity to visit the Old Ursuline Convent located in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The Convent is one of the city’s most...
Deacon Andy reflects on climbing the Holy Stairs in Rome
Just before the start of Lent I was in Rome on a pilgrimage. One of the churches I visited was the Pontificio Santuario della Scala Santa. It is more commonly known as Scala Santa or, in English, the Holy Stairs. Tradition tells us the staircase in the church is from...
The 4:12 Pathway collaborates with the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Deacon Andrew Saunders, Co-Director of the 4:12 Pathway for Pastoral Leadership grant, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology traveled to New Orleans from January 28 to January 31, 2025, to collaborate with Deacon Ray Duplechain, Director of the Permanent...
Join Our Community
Discover how you can contribute to the future of diaconal ministry .