About the Program

diakonia emphasizes the baptismal vocation of all Christians to serve as did our Lord Jesus. Participants are often already leaders in their parishes, and have a high degree of commitment to the ministry of the Church. They want to deepen their life of faith and ground their baptismal commitment to serve in the church through several means. They are committed to serve through the Church in a variety of ways: teaching, administration, liturgical leadership, action of social justice, evangelism, visitation of the sick, community organization, youth work, ministry among the elderly, and the like. They seek, and are helped by diakonia, to grow closer to the image and example of Christ the servant and to be more comfortable in bearing witness in word and deed about the good news of Jesus Christ.

The diakonia curriculum consists of twelve courses, six per academic year. Each course is five sessions in length, and meets weekly for three-hour sessions. All of the courses are introductory in nature. Weekly readings give students a solid background to the topic. Weekly assignments or a final assignment relate the subject matter to the students’ context of life and ministry (family, parish, neighborhood area or ministry) or give them new insight into the courses’ content. Students work at their own level, and assignments reflect the understanding that students are already busy in their families, jobs and parish. Typically, students average approximately three to five hours of student per week in addition to class time.

1) Tuition: $360 per year (for the two year program) If tuition is paid up front, pro-rated refunds are given for students who withdraw from the program. Tuition may be paid by class. diakonia has a financial aid program.

2) Books: Actual costs vary from course to course, but instructors try to use books and materials which will cost approximately $50.00 or less per course. Students have an option of buying their own materials used.

3) Retreats: The number of retreats is determined by year, normally there is one. Retreat costs will vary by location. Attendance at the retreat is strongly recommended.

4) Fees: A non-refundable registration fee of $35.00 is required at time of registration. An additional fee at the conclusion of the program covers graduation expenses, including the presentation of a commemorative diakonia cross.