What Is an Inquirer?
An Inquirer is a man who is discerning whether or not he has heard the call of God to a vocation as a deacon. This call often comes from a life of service to the people of God in a parish and the desire to a deeper level of service. It may come as a suggestion from the pastor or perhaps from a deacon in the parish. It is also not uncommon for God to inspire a wife to encourage her husband to consider the possibility. Should you hear this call, you should pray for clarity in this decision and discuss it with your wife, your children, and your pastor. If you have a deacon in your parish, it is quite helpful to discuss it also with him.
Once you have determined that you would like to investigate this vocation further, you should contact the Director of Diaconal Formation. During an initial interview with the director, he will decide whether or not the diaconate might be a good fit for you. Assuming that you both decide to proceed, you become an Inquirer and the director will pass your contact information to the Deacon Information Committee of the Diaconal Assembly to continue meeting with you, either individually or with your wife, to answer any questions that you or your wife might have about the diaconate.
The next step of the formation process is called Aspirancy.