Canon 1031§3 - Permanent Diaconate: Age

 §2: A candidate for the permanent diaconate who is not married is not to be admitted to the diaconate unless he has completed at least twenty-five years of age; if the candidate is married, he is not to be admitted to the permanent diaconate unless he has completed at least thirty-five years of age and has the consent of his wife.

§3: The conference of bishops may determine a norm by which an older age is required for the presbyterate and the permanent diaconate.

§4: The Apostolic See reserves to itself the dispensation from §§1 [minimum age for ordination to the priesthood] and 2 when it is a question of more than one year.

Complementary Norm: In accord with the provisions of canon 1031§3, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops has established the minimum age of ordination (for permanent deacons) at thirty-five years for both married and celibate candidates. The diocesan bishop may dispense up to one year from this age requirement.

Approved: General Meeting, November, 1984

Reviewed: Holy See (Congregation for Divine Worship (oral communication): recognitio of the Holy See not required

Promulgated: Permanent Deacons in the United States: Guidelines on Their Formation and Ministry, No. 66(b), National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1985