Permanent Deacon Handbook Policies
The Permanent Deacon Handbook and Policy Manual has been completely revised, with the latest version launched at the Deacon and Wives Convocation in June 2025. A link to the current draft is provided below as a Word document. It will be refined into a PDF with links in the Table of Contents and released in its final form on January 1, 2026. Meanwhile, please use the Handbook and Policy Manual to find answers to common questions. If you seek a policy or answer to a question that is not addressed in the draft, please email Deacon Dan Brahier (dbrahier@toledodiocese.org) so that revisions can be made between now and November 2025. Until then, the original list of downloadable policies is still provided below (though all are now included in the Handbook and Policy Manual):
REVISED Permanent Deacon Handbook and Policy Manual (Draft June 2025) - This document will be revised into a final version to be released in January 2026.
Policies Individually Downloadable (to be removed when new Handbook is promulgated):
Clerical Attire Policy - Approved in 2019, this policy explains when a deacon may opt to wear gray clerical attire
Deacon Council Statutes - Approved in 2016, this is the document that describes rules and procedures for the Permanent Deacon Council
Deacon Status Policy - Approved in 2023, this is the current policy for requesting to remain Active or to gain Senior Status when a Permanent Deacon turns age 75
Faculties (Pagella) - Promulgated in 2012, this document spells out the faculties of clergy in the Diocese of Toledo. Specifically, pages 8-9 detail the faculties of a deacon in the diocese.
Liturgical Attire - Presented to deacons at a Continuing Education program on 10/21/23, this document describe appropriate attire when celebrating various liturgies, from Funerals to Eucharistic Adoration
Mass With a Deacon - This document is taken directly from the GIRM and spells out exactly what a deacon should do when assisting at Mass, to be used as a reference.
Personnel Board Statutes - Approved in 2023, this is the document that describes rules and procedures for the Permanent Deacon Personnel Board
Retreat and Continuing Education Policy - Distributed in 2017, this policy outlines what is required and acceptable for annual retreats and for earning Continuing Education hours
Commonly requested forms are provided here for download by clicking on the links:
Letter of Suitability - There is a link to a form on the front page of the Deacon Portal to request a letter. The letter should be requested one month before the event, unless it is a funeral that demands an immediate letter. In the event of a funeral, please also email Ingrid Cooper (icooper@toledodiocese.org) to ask her to expedite the letter.
Deacon Funeral Planning Form (New, FILLABLE PDF version)
Pastoral Agreement Form (in Word)
Pastoral Agreement Form (in PDF)
Pastoral Agreement Form (New, FILLABLE PDF version)
Downloadable Forms
Other Links
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