The permanent diaconate formation process typically takes 4-5 years, including a year of aspirancy and 4 years of formation. This includes academic study, spiritual formation, pastoral training, and ongoing discernment with formation teams and spiritual directors.

Requirements include being a baptized Catholic man, typically between ages 35-60, married or single, with a stable family life, good health, and a strong spiritual foundation. Candidates must complete the formation program, including academic studies, spiritual direction, and pastoral training.

Yes, Formation Assistant is currently free to use. It's designed to support men in their diaconate formation journey and the teams that guide them, without any cost barriers.

You can get started by visiting https://deaconformation.com and creating an account. The app will guide you through the initial setup and help you connect with your formation team if you're already in a program.

We're developing additional apps including Divine Prompt for general vocation discernment and Scripture Study Companion for deepening your understanding of Scripture. These are currently in development and will be available soon.

While Formation Assistant is specifically designed for diaconate formation, our other apps like Divine Prompt and Scripture Study Companion are designed for anyone seeking spiritual growth and vocational discernment.

You can contact us through our contact page at https://spiritualcompassnavigators.com/contacts. We'd love to hear from you and help you on your spiritual journey.