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We currently have seven men making their way through formation in the Diocese of Providence. God willing, they will be ordained in 2026. They will join more than 60 men actively engaged in diaconal ministry in the Diocese of Providence. If you are feeling this desire, God may be calling you to find out more about the Permanent Diaconate! Click for more information about the Diaconate, details about the newly announced Permanent Deacon Formation Program, as well as registering for the upcoming May/June Informational Sessions

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - PROVIDENCE — On Sunday, March 3, seven aspirants to the permanent diaconate from the Diocese of Providence publicly expressed their intention of receiving Holy Orders before the Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, Bishop of Providence, at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul. (PHOTO: COLE DESANTIS)

Rev. Mr. Joseph Braga, 92, of North Providence, a deacon of the Diocese of Providence, died on Monday, May 16, 2022. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, May 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Woodlawn Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, May 23, at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 178 Dexter St., Providence (Please go directly to church Monday morning). Military honors and burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery. Please pray for Deacon Joe and his family.

Rev. Mr. Raphael Joseph "Ray" Castaldi, 67, of Westerly, a deacon of the Diocese of Providence, died on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Visiting hours will be held in St. James Chapel, 2079 Matunuck School House Rd, Charlestown, RI, on Friday, May 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Chapel on Saturday, May 21 at 1 p.m. Please pray for Deacon Ray and his family.

WARWICK — On Thursday, Sept. 23, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin welcomed the permanent deacons of the Diocese of Providence to the chapel at Aldrich Mansion in Warwick Neck, for a beautiful evening of prayer, thanks and community.

Bishop Tobin has authorized the recruitment and formation of a new class of Permanent Deacons. Applicants discerning a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate are invited to attend our June Information Sessions. Register today!

PROVIDENCE — Do you have what it takes to answer the call for a few good men who are discerning a vocation to serve in the permanent diaconate?

On May 12, 2021 Bishop Thomas J. Tobin authorized the recruitment and formation of a new class of Permanent Deacons for the Diocese of Providence. Applicants discerning a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate should read carefully the information by clicking the link below and discuss his potential application with the pastor of his parish.