by the Venerable Priscilla Maumus, Archdeacon
Diocese of Louisiana postulants to the diaconate will start a joint formation program with the Diocese of Mississippi this September. Though the program is new to us, the Iona Initiative Collaborative Project, we are the nineteenth diocese across the U.S. to participate. The three year program was developed jointly between the Seminary of the Southwest and the Iona School for Ministry of the Diocese of Texas. Besides theological education, students participate in numerous retreats, projects and other formation activities. The students will have local mentors, but will still be under the aegis of the Archdeacon and, as required, by the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee. For more information see www.ionainitiative.org. If you or someone you know is pondering a call to the diaconate, begin the discernment process by making an appointment with your rector.