Diaconate Formation Program
Permanent Diaconate Office
Saint Joseph's Seminary
Dunwoodie
201 Seminary Avenue
Yonkers, New York 10704-1896
Director of Diaconate Formation
Deacon Francis Orlando
Tel: 914-367-8270
Fax: 914.376.9132
Director of Ministry and Life
Deacon James Anthony Bello
Tel: 914-367-8269
Fax: 914.376.9132
Administrative Assistant
Sr. Patricia Graham
patricia.graham@archny.org
Visit our Diaconate Formation website: www.nydfp.org
Mission Statement
Committed to the work begun by Jesus, the deacon is ordained to the ministry of service. He is a sign of Christ's love and concern for all who are in need - especially the widowed, orphans, the infirm, the elderly, prisoners, couples, teenagers, and all who are in need of the loving and serving heart of Christ.
The aspirant begins formation in a small, intimate, caring environment where the dignity of the individual is valued. The aspirant and candidate pursue a spiritual, theological, and pastoral four-year formation program which integrates the aforementioned aspects of formation and assists him to:
- strengthen his spirituality
- discern his vocation
- acquire a strong foundation in scripture, liturgy, dogma, moral and pastoral theology
- be an evangelizer to people of all ages, of every ethnic / racial background
- be a true witness of the Gospel in his words and deeds and at all times strive for peaceful solutions to human conflicts
- grow ever close to Mary, Mother of God, whose life of service should be a model for all aspirants and candidates
- share with his wife and family the training and formation he undergoes so that they will become aware of the ministry, support it, and accommodate the demands of the ministry to their daily family life
