The formation of permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe is a five-year process (at least) that begins with the Inquiry Stage. Understanding that a deacon is to be a minister of Charity, a Minister of the Word, and a Minister of Liturgy, the process is built around the person, the knowledge, and the spirituality of the future deacon. During this time, the formation is focused on four areas:
1. Spiritual: The relationship between the man, his family, and Jesus Christ.
2. Human: the relationship of the man with all others and his ability for self reflection.
3. Academic: The scholastic knowledge developed and taught by the Catholic Church, especially focusing on the basic teachings of the Church as found in the Catechism of the Cathoic Church.
4. Pastoral: Experince in ministry to others in an ecclesial context, expecially in outreach to the poor, teaching the Word of God, and serving in the liturgy.
  During the Inquiry period, the potential deacon will engage in lay ministry formation programs established in the archdiocese and approved by the Director of Deacon Formation. Opportunities will be provided for the Inquirer to discover more fully the richness of diaconal formation. He (and his wife, if married) will also be assigned a mentor couple to accompany them on the journey. Deacon formation begins when formal application is made and the man is accepted into the Aspirancy Program.