It is important to note that some areas within the Diocese of Charleston are in greater need of deacons than others. Therefore, prior to moving to the diocese, the deacon should contact the Director of the Permanent Diaconate to discuss the relocation to South Carolina, and to find an appropriate location for the diaconal assignment.

Permanent Deacons moving into the Diocese of Charleston need to have the faculties of the diocese if they wish to be active in ministry, and may not serve on the altar or perform any diaconate functions until the letter of assignment has been received.

1. Deacons who move into the diocese and wish to minister within it must obtain the required canonical faculties. The deacon should contact the Director to discuss the relocation to South Carolina, and to find an appropriate location for the diaconal assignment. The deacon may be assigned to any parish within a 30-minute drive. While below are the requirements, please visit the appropriate diaconate webpage for the most current information:
2. Documentation/Requirements:
   • Application (available on website).
   • Background screening through the Office of Child Protection Services.
   • Safe Environment: Virtus and Vulnerable Adults training, acknowledgement of Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct, and social media policy.
   • A Driver application with license and insurance.
   • Copies of all official documents, faculties received, etc.
   • An overview of the training received, grades, and evaluations while in training.
   • A letter of recommendation and evaluation of your ministry from previous pastor.
   • A letter of recommendation and certification of good standing from the Director of the Permanent Diaconate or Bishop of prior diocese.
   • A letter from prior Bishop giving permission to serve in the Diocese of Charleston.
   • If married, a letter of approval from wife that she is in accord with his application for faculties and assignment in the Diocese of Charleston.
   • A letter of acceptance from local pastor requesting services of deacon.
   • Two letters of recommendation from members of the parish staff or fellow parishioners from the last parish served, or a work associate.
   • Emailed photo of wife to director.
3. All items are sent to the Director. Once these documents have been received, the Director will schedule a phone appointment with the applicant to discuss the ministry. Upon completion of these steps, the Director shall request the bishop to make the assignment. The bishop will then grant the deacon faculties and give him his assignment.
4. While in the diocese, the deacon is expected to partake in the regular program for the Permanent Deacons of the Diocese of Charleston. When the bishop gives the deacon the assignment, faculties of the diocese are given. He is also expected to submit an Annual Ministry Report to the director for the first three years. Until such time as the deacon completes the excardination/incardination process according to the norms of the Code of Canon Law and the diocesan guidelines, he remains attached to the diocese in which he is incardinated. Deacons not incardinated in the Diocese of Charleston upon moving out of the diocese cease to have faculties in, and obligations to, the Diocese of Charleston.
5. The applicant will attend a workshop at the next annual retreat that details the diaconate policies within the Diocese of Charleston.