All men applying to enter diaconate formation must be fully initiated members of the Catholic Church (baptized, confirmed and have received Holy Communion). In addition, all men who have received full initiation into the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA ), must wait at least five years before applying for the diaconate.

Applicants must be between 35 and 60 years old.

All married inquirers should be part of a stable and loving Catholic marriage for no less than five years before applying. (Any potential applicants who may be experiencing serious difficulties in their marriage should postpone applying for the diaconate until those issues are completely resolved.) Their marriage must also be canonically valid and a Catholic certificate must be made available. All married inquirers must also obtain written consent from their wives before being admitted into Aspirancy.

All single men who seek entry into diaconal formation must remain celibate throughout their formation process, and for the rest of their lives. No exemption is granted for this rule; therefore, all single men must have a clear understanding of the celibate life they are call to live.

All inquirers should have sufficient financial and employment stability throughout the entire formation process. The applicant may be asked to submit proof of stable employment. If a potential applicant is experiencing some form of hardship or lack of employment during the time of his admission process, he will be asked to postpone his application request to resolve his situation before being considered for admissions into the program.

All inquirers must be American citizens, permanent residents or possess an appropriate visa that allows them to be legally present in the United States. All Inquirers must also have a valid social security number before applying for Aspirancy. All diaconal aspirants/candidates must have legal status in the United States before admissions into diaconate formation. Further, the diocese will not sponsor any potential candidates for immigration status.

All Inquirers must receive the written recommendation of their pastor before beginning the admission process into Aspirancy.

All Inquirers must have a substantial record of parochial service before entering Aspirancy. This is defined as active involvement in the parochial life and ministries of his parish for a minimum of three years.

All Inquirers must be high school graduates or have earned an equivalent, either in the United States or their native country. Some college background is also preferred. Proof of High School completion, college studies, degrees or transcripts obtained either in United States or abroad must be submitted with their application.