The Office of the Permanent Diaconate of the Diocese of Peoria will host an informational meeting on June 3 for men interested in diaconal ministry.

The meeting will take place at the Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 N.E. Madison in Peoria between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Those interested should first speak with a priest or deacon in their parish.

According to Msgr. Timothy Nolan, episcopal vicar for the diaconate, applicants must be “men of deep faith and prayer with a desire and ability to collaborate in ministry.” They should be in good health, between the ages of 30 and 60, and reside in the Diocese of Peoria.

If an applicant is married, he must be in a stable, mature, and valid marriage for at least five years and have the consent and participation of his wife to pursue the deacon formation process. The wife should also come to the informational meeting. Applicants must be prepared to embrace the commitment to lifelong celibacy should his wife precede him in death. Single men must demonstrate the ability to accept a commitment to lifelong celibacy since a man may not marry after ordination to the diaconate.

For futher information, contact the diaconate office at (309) 671-1550. Appllications will be given at the informational meeting.