Deacon formation begins with two years of Aspirancy, in which the focus is especially on prayerful vocational discernment, as the aspirants become acquainted with the diaconal life.
Formation weekends, held at the same time and location as the Servant Leadership weekends, also offer the opportunity for participants to learn to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and the rosary together, and to assist at Mass (as servers, readers, sacristans, etc.).
Further, the aspirants are required to have and meet regularly with a spiritual director approved by the Bishop. Regular spiritual direction continues as a component of all five years of deacon formation.