The Advisory Board for the Diaconate of Saint Cloud has discussed the importance of vocation, or call, in regard to the Diaconate. The Lord calls people with particular gifts to service through a particular faith community. It is paramount to the welfare of the community and the diaconate that the community calls the applicant to service because certain needs of the community can be met by that applicant.

Applicants will not be accepted into the Program unless there is evidence that the community needs the service of the applicant and is willing to support the applicant through his formation period. The local pastor's recommendation is also necessary because he will be working closely with the applicant after ordination. Because pastors often are reassigned, it is crucial that the community, through the local Parish Pastoral Council, calls the applicant to service, understands the nature of his service, and promises to support him.

The screening process, in light of the above-stated concerns, includes the following elements: