ICSST Ranked No.1 for Highest Enrollment in Permanent Diaconate Formation Programs

The Center for Diaconal Formation at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) is ranked first for enrollment in permanent diaconate formation programs nationwide for the 2023-24 academic year, according to a report published by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA).

The report provides a statistical overview of permanent diaconate formation programs in the United States and is based on annual studies conducted by CARA – a national, nonprofit, Georgetown University affiliated research center that conducts social scientific studies about the Catholic Church – each academic year since 1996-97.

According to the report, of the 1,245 candidates for permanent diaconate formation across the United States documented in 2023-24, the Center enrolled the highest number of candidates (77)) among 139 confirmed formation programs in the country. This marks the first time ICSST has held this top position.

In recent years, the Center has seen an upward trend and increase in enrollment numbers, with approximately 93 candidates for the upcoming Fall 2024 semester. This is a new record for the Center, which has seen enrollment numbers more than double since its inception in 2010.

“The recognition as the leading program for diaconate formation in enrollment is a profound blessing and reaffirms the importance of the School’s and Center’s mission to prepare diaconate candidates to be heralds of the Gospel and leaders as ordained ministers,” said Deacon Saunders, former director of the Center for Diaconal Formation.

The Center was established to focus on the increasing intellectual formation needs of the permanent diaconate by providing Christ-centered academic programs offered in person as well as in English and Spanish. Recently, the Center also announced a new remote delivery option of its Master of Arts (M.A.) in Theology for deacon candidates, expanding formation opportunities to dioceses outside of the Northern New Jersey area.

Deacon Saunders, who led the Center for more than 14 years before retiring in August, attributed several factors to the enrollment increase. These include strengthened collaborations with the Center’s sending dioceses, the development of Spanish-language academic formation as well the launch of strategic diaconate initiatives supported through ICSST’s 4-12 Pathway for Pastoral Leadership initiative. Deacon Saunders serves as Co-director of the Pathway program focusing on strategic diaconate initiatives and is an adjunct progressor of Systematic Theology.

“It is truly a joy to witness so many men increasingly embrace the call of the Holy Spirit with open hearts, faith and commitment. It has been a blessing to support them in their formation, seeing our Seminary and Center flourish as a place where they are prepared to serve the Lord and His people with grace,” added Deacon Saunders.

About ICSST

Immaculate Conception Seminary is a House of Formation for the Roman Catholic priesthood and the School of Theology of Seton Hall University. As a House of Formation, the Seminary offers men preparing for the priesthood the personal, academic, ministerial and spiritual formation essential for their conversion to Jesus Christ and for their commitment to a life of service to the Church.

As a School of Theology, the Seminary provides a theological and philosophical foundation for men and women pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies; preparing for ministries among the people of God; and varied opportunities for continuing theological education.

Forming priests for God's people has remained the Seminary's constant focus, and the Seminary faculty—well-educated authors and scholars in their own fields—devote their time and energy to preparing these men for priesthood amidst the challenges of the 21st century. The School also focuses on the education of lay men and women in theology, priests, permanent deacons, and religious brothers and sisters and not only providing academic studies, but also personal, pastoral and spiritual formation.

For more information, please visit ICSST’s website.

Categories: Faith and Service