In answering God's call to become an ordained deacon, one must commit to countless hours of classes, prayer and formation. The Santa Barbara Region's second diaconate class is now almost halfway down the four-year-long road to ordination.

Currently midway into their second year, members have completed studies in fundamental theology, bereavement and grief, spiritual direction, liturgy and lectio divina, most of which have been taught by professors from St. John's Seminary in Camarillo. Much of the second year focuses on the analysis of Scripture, which is central to the ministry of a deacon.

"It's going very well," observes Deacon Ed Mills, director of Diaconate Formation for the Santa Barbara Pastoral Region. "[Auxiliary] Bishop [Thomas] Curry is involved almost daily, and the pastors in the region are very supportive."

Fifty-three men comprise the current class which is drawn from 25 parishes in the region. Although the wives of the future deacons are not currently required to attend every class with their spouse, Mills estimates about 60 to 70 percent of the wives do attend regularly.

Classes are taught in English and Spanish tracks, but Mills says they have frequently joined the groups together with Spanish translators present, a process that has been relatively successful and builds community.

Unlike school years with a summer break, diaconate formation - while breaking from formal classes - continues during the summers. This year the men will begin more in-depth study of social issues which will include involvement in homeless ministry. Mills says they will be working on committees and projects directly through the counties of Santa Barbara and Ventura, and notes that this work will continue through all of the next year of formation.

Looking ahead to the third year of the diaconate formation program, Jesuits from Loyola Marymount University, Santa Clara University and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley will be joining the seminary faculty of St. John's in teaching the classes. "This program of diaconate study was formulated by the Jesuits and Bishop Curry," Mills explains, "and it will be great to have their presence here."

Mills says he and others are encouraged by the large numbers of men coming forward to become deacons, giving greater exposure to the ministry of the diaconate. "We need to develop the concept of what the diaconate does: the corporal works of mercy," he says.

The current group in formation is looking toward ordination in the spring of 2011. Mills says the policy in the Santa Barbara Region has been to finish one program before starting a new group, and applications will again be accepted in early 2011.

Men in the Santa Barbara Region wishing to enter the diaconate must apply to Bishop Curry's office and go through a year-long vetting process. For information, call the regional office, (805) 682-0442.