Deacons

Each deacon in the Diocese of Toledo is required to attend a total of 24 hours of Continuing Formation (CF) every two years. The current cycle is for 2026-2027, so by the end of 2027, a total of at least 24 hours must be reported for each deacon to maintain Good Standing for 2028. These hours can occur from either or both years and in programs from 1-24 hours apiece, as long as a total of 24 hours are earned (e.g., conferences, workshops, classes, etc.). Following is a list of upcoming events sponsored by the Diocese of Toledo that result in earned CF hours for deacons.

During COVID (2020 and 2021), Spring Continuing Education sessions scheduled for April were cancelled. In 2022 and 2023, registration numbers indicated that there were not enough deacons available to attend, so both Spring sessions were cancelled. As a result, there are no plans to continue offering Spring CF events. A workshop “Study Day” will be offered every fall (usually October or early-November) and the Permanent Deacon Convocation (12 hours) every odd-numbered year. A deacon who attends both Fall sessions and the Convocation will meet his 24-hour minimum for Continuing Education hours in the two-year cycle. Anyone unable to attend one or more of those events has many other options, such as the annual 7-hour Diocesan Pastoral Conference in September, attendance at conferences, pilgrimages, and online and face-to-face courses and workshops.

Franciscan University Continuing Formation Opportunity

The Catechetical Institute at Franciscan currently offers 62 online courses that deacons can take for “Ongoing Diaconal Formation,” organized into tracks of interest, from Pro-Life Outreach to RCIA and Adult Formation.  Each of these courses takes a participant an average of 2-4 hours to complete, so any deacon who successfully completes a workshop earns 3 hours of Continuing Formation credit, which can be used toward the 24-hour minimum requirement for the 2024-2025 cycle.

We have entered into an agreement with Franciscan that, while these courses are technically “free” to take, we recognize that when a deacon takes classes for Continuing Formation credit, there is a cost to Franciscan that, out of fairness, we should be sharing.  Therefore, a fee of $100 for the year is to be paid by any deacon wishing to take and earn credit for 1 or more 3-hour workshops between January 1 and December 31, 2026.  So, here are the three scenarios for you:

1. If you would like to take 1 or more online workshops through Franciscan University between January 1 and December 31, 2026, and earn 3 hours of Continuing Formation credit for each workshop you complete, we would ask you to send a check made out to “Diocese of Toledo” directly to Dcn. Daniel Brahier at 1933 Spielbusch Avenue, Toledo OH 43604.  We will collect the checks and write one “master check” to Franciscan with a list of “members” for the year.  Then, between the date you submit your check and December 31, 2026, you can take as many of the 62 workshops as you have time and interest to take.  Your parish’s money that is set aside for your education can be used for this purpose – just be sure the mailing to me includes your name and the purpose for the check.  When you take classes, they are automatically accounted for online, so there will be no need for you to submit the hours through our portal because I will already have that record.

2. If you would like to take workshops online on an “audit” basis – for your own information but not to earn credit toward Continuing Formation, you are welcome to take the classes as he describes in the meeting video.  There is no cost to you unless you choose to earn credit through our office for participating.

3. You can elect not to take any of these courses through Franciscan at all, and that’s okay too.  We just wanted to offer this unique opportunity for those who are interested in participating.

A link to an online presentation made by the Director of the CI at Franciscan on September 5, 2024, is presented below. When you click on it, you will need to copy-and-paste the password below to access the video.  In the meeting, Dr. Keimig explains in detail how to get into the system and directs you to contact them with questions (the diocese won’t be able to answer technical questions – just collecting the money, keeping track of which deacons are members for the year, and viewing the chart to see who has taken which courses).  Also linked below is the PDF handout he used at the meeting for you to download and look at.  Note specifically page 8 that lists the Diaconal Formation tracks and specific courses we can take.

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/WBb6tCmak2A2wE0JR_JUMUi1P0YYzlCD3OtOoKMp1hLPeudqWkWJtkGdJPZ_V75X.t_sTILKDJq9k6XH5

Passcode: @g8dY!v?

Handout: Click HERE to download

It is our hope that many will take advantage of this new opportunity, as the question frequently arises about what classes are available online and how to sign up for and get credit for them.  For $100 a year, you can take all the workshops you want!

October 24, 2026

• Topic:  “Exploring the Catechism with St. John Neumann in 1841 and with AI in 2026”

• Presenters:  Deacon Mike Wasiniak and John Brahier

• Description: This unique opportunity for deacons will feature a tour of the Log Cabin where Saint John Neumann lived while ministering in 1841.  The morning session will allow for a tour of the grounds and a presentation on Saint John, who is the Patron Saint of Deacons in the Diocese of Toledo.  Time will be provided for Eucharistic Adoration and lunch, and an afternoon session will feature a hands-on session on the role of Catholic AI in the life of a deacon, echoing Saint John's concern that the Catechism be taught fully and accurately.  This day is considered a combination of Pilgrimage and Study Day and will carry 5 hours of Continuing Formation credit, concluding early enough for deacons to get back to their parishes or homes for late-afternoon or evening commitments.

• Time/Location: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (lunch included), at Saint Alphonsus Parish in Norwalk/Peru

• Credit: 5 Continuing Formation Hours

• Registration: Registration will be available in late-August.

Friday-Saturday, June 11-12, 2027

• Deacon and Wives Convocation

• Presenter: Deacon Harold Sivers-Burke and Local Presenters

• Description: Biennial Deacon and Wives Convocation

• Time/Location: Friday evening (6 pm) through Saturday evening (8 pm), Saint John XXIII, Perrysburg

• Credit: 12 Continuing Formation Hours

• Registration: Registration and information will be available in March 2027.