All permanent deacons given faculties and actively serving in ministry within the Diocese are required to successfully complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours of continuing education each calendar year.

Senior deacons are relieved of the annual requirement for continuing education but are encouraged to participate in continuing education activities.  Senior deacons serving in designated ministries, e.g., marriage preparation or tribunal case sponsorship, are required to attend initial and/or ongoing training as provided by the Diocese.

All permanent deacons given faculties actively serving in ministry within the Diocese are required to attend the annual Winter Community meeting and the annual Deacon Convocation.  Senior deacons are highly encouraged to participate in these events.

The annual spiritual retreat is obligatory and must have a minimum duration of three (3) days.  To meet this obligation, the deacon may participate in one of the annual spiritual retreats offered by the Office of Permanent Diaconate, or he may choose to find a suitable retreat on his own.

While not required, monthly spiritual direction is strongly recommended.  Therefore, each deacon is encouraged to choose and meet regularly with a personal spiritual director.  Spiritual directors should be priests or deacons, preferably trained in spiritual direction.  If no priest or deacon is available, it is permissible for the deacon to have a trained and/or certified Catholic religious or lay spiritual director.