Canon 1031, §3 - Permanent Diaconate: Age

Complementary Norm: In accord with Canon Law, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops establishes the minimum age for ordination to the permanent diaconate at thirty-five for all candidates, married or celibate. The establishment of a maximum age for ordination is at the discretion of the diocesan bishop, keeping in mind the particular needs and expectations of the diocese regarding diaconal ministry and life.

Approved: General Meeting, June 2003

Reviewed: Holy See (Congregation for Catholic Education and Congregation for Clergy): Decree (Prot. N. 78/2000), October 30, 2004 ad quinquennium experimenti; Renewed by Decree (Prot. N. 78/2000), October 12, 2009 ad alterum quinquennium

Promulgated: National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2009, art. 87.