The first year program is a collaboration with the Diocese of Cleveland
NEWS RELEASE
August 21, 2025
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Bishop David J. Bonnar is calling for a new class of Permanent Deacons for the Diocese of Youngstown after consultation with the Presbyteral Council. The Office of the Permanent Diaconate is now accepting inquiries from men, whether married or single, between the ages of 30-60, who perceive the Holy Spirit’s call to serve the Church. The intellectual formation will take place in partnership with the Diocese of Cleveland and Saint Mary’s Seminary. The first class for this program will begin in August 2026.
Permanent Deacons are ordained to a ministry of service, word and liturgy. They serve, as assigned by the Bishop, to preach the Gospel, baptize, witness marriages, preside at funerals and perform outreach to the poor. The formation program includes human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions and takes five years of part-time study to complete.
If you feel called by the Holy Spirit to discern your own vocation to this ministry, contact Deacon William Bancroft, the Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate via email at wbancroft@youngstowndiocese.org, or 330-744-8451; ext. 369. You can also find more information about the Office of The Permanent Diaconate, including a list of frequently asked questions at doy.org/deacons
Click here for a message from Bishop David J. Bonnar.
