The Northern Diaconal Formation Partnership (NDFP) is a partnership of eight dioceses in the North of England and Wales who have come together to provide theological study, spiritual and pastoral development for students for the permanent diaconate. A four-year programme of theological study sits alongside practical pastoral formation provided in regional groupings, and parish-based pastoral and liturgical experiences, which together prepare men for ordination to the permanent diaconate.
Regional Collaboration in Action: Hallam already works in close cooperation with both the dioceses of Leeds and Middlesbrough. The dioceses of Leeds and Hallam share the same annual selection conference to consider those who aspire to ministry as deacons. The dioceses of Leeds, Hallam, and Middlesbrough cooperate together to provide a programme of pastoral and spiritual formation for our students. Since July 2025, I have served as the elected Chair of the Northern Diaconal Formation Partnership (NDFP), a charity, which oversees the programme of formation for dioceses of the Northern Province and Wrexham. The photograph shows the students and tutors gathered together at Hinsley Hall in Leeds for a formation weekend.
Celebrating Our Upcoming Ordinations:We are fortunate to have two candidates in the fourth year who are now preparing for ordination, as follows: Saturday 17th October – Ordination to the Diaconate of Danny Murphy (Diocese of Leeds), Leeds Cathedral, 11:00am Saturday 7th November – Ordination to the Diaconate of Peter Holland (Diocese of Hallam), St Marie’s Cathedral, Sheffield, 11:00am Please pray for our ordinands as they prepare for their pre-ordination retreat at St. Beuno’s coming up in May.
Discerning a Vocation: Requirements for Candidates Candidates for the permanent diaconate must be baptised, confirmed Catholic men who feel a call from God to serve the Church, and are able to commit to a part-time programme of four years spiritual, human, and intellectual formation. While an extensive formal education is not required, applicants must have sufficient capacity to cope with the theological formation. More importantly, they must have a history of active service for several years in the diocese they wish to serve, showing a heart for service, and be living in accordance with Church teachings. An applicant must be at least 35 years old at the time of ordination and under 55 years old when applying, so ordination can be before the age of 60. They must be in good health, to handle the demands of training and ministry. Married men must be in a valid Catholic marriage for at least 5 years and they must have the full consent of their wife to apply. Unmarried men must be willing to make a promise of celibacy. Permanent deacons are expected to support themselves and their families through their own employment, and are not paid by the Church. We presently have three students in formation for the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Hallam, and across the Northern Diaconal Formation Partnership we presently have twenty-seven students in formation.
Looking forwards with Hope Pope Leo described the ministry of the deacon as a “living sign of a love that does not remain on the surface, but bends down, listens, and gives itself”. He emphasizes that deacons should be “animators of the Church’s diakonia” (service). The Northern Diaconal Formation Partnership (NDFP) is perhaps one of the many signs of hope and renewal for the Church in the north of England. We see God calling servants to His Church, and the diaconate continues to grow as a dedicated ministry of service, liturgy, and charity. We invite you to keep all our students in your prayers—especially Danny and Peter as they approach their ordination — and to pray that the Holy Spirit continues to stir the hearts of men called to this life-changing vocation. Whether through prayer or active discernment, your support ensures that our parishes remain vibrant communities served by deacons who truly embody the servant heart of Christ. If you think that the Holy Spirit might be prompting you to respond to God’s call to consider a vocation to the permanent diaconate, speak to your parish priest or deacon and then why not email to find out more. Contact: Rev Deacon Tony Strike at email: [email protected] . Tony Strike
