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Charlie Posted: May 21 2006, 02:07 AM 

 I do not belong to a particular diocese since I am not in my native Ohio right now. I am in the Military and fall under the Military Diocese, but sadly they do not have the resources to help me discern my vocation.

I am a mere 22 years old, but I adore apologetics and my faith. I am very active in my faith community and really want to serve. I am married with one child and one on the way and I want to become a deacon.

When my enlistment is finished, I would like to get a degree from a Jesuit school. But that should be completed by my mid twenties. Is age possibly waivable with good education and moral judgement?

I know I need to trust in those who make the requirements, because they are much wiser than I. But has anyone ever heard of a younger deacon being allowed?


 
Deacon_Anthony Posted: May 22 2006, 08:44 PM 

 Charlie, I have posted the requirement according to Canon Law.

§2 A candidate for the permanent diaconate who is not married may be admitted to the diaconate only when he has completed at least his twenty-fifth year; if he is married, not until he has completed at least his thirty-fifth year, and then with the consent of his wife.

I have never heard of the age requirment being waived for a man under the age of 35. There are so many ways for a lay person to serve the church and I hope you will continue to be very active in your parish until such time as you may enter deaconate formation. I wish you were here, I could put you to work immediatly. The pay stinks but the rewards are priceless. 

Hope this helps,


Deacon Anthony