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History
A Brief History of NDICE: 1975–2019
The National Diaconate Institute for Continuing Education (NDICE) emerged in 1975 to address the unique needs of permanent deacons in the United States. Its formation was inspired by the revival of the permanent diaconate following the Second Vatican Council, which recognized the importance of this ancient ministry as a distinct and vital component of the Church’s mission.
Early Beginnings (1975–1976)
The seeds of NDICE were planted on August 3, 1975, at a meeting at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Organized by Fr. Kieran Nolan, OSB, the gathering aimed to create a national platform where deacons could share experiences, insights, and continuing formation following ordination. This initial meeting is considered NDICE’s first annual gathering, as it laid the groundwork for what would become a national institution.
The second annual meeting occurred in 1976, also at St. John’s University. Forty deacons, candidates, and families from across the Midwest attended, marking the first instance where deacons themselves coordinated a national gathering, with approval from Msgr. Ernest Fiedler of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on the Permanent Diaconate (BCPD). The conference addressed key topics such as spirituality, formation, and the integration of deacons into diocesan structures. This milestone led to the establishment of the Permanent Diaconate Institute, the precursor to NDICE.
Growth and National Recognition (1977–1980)
In 1977, NDICE’s third annual conference was held at the University of Notre Dame, which became its permanent venue. This conference introduced the theme “Education for Service” and featured workshops on family counseling, evangelization, and justice. By this time, NDICE had established three primary goals: fostering communication between deacons and the BCPD, advancing theological and pastoral formation, and promoting ministry within diverse cultural contexts.
Subsequent conferences in the late 1970s solidified NDICE as a vital resource for deacons and their families. Themes such as “Serving the Family” (1978) and “Christian Ministry to Marriage and Family” (1979) reflected the Church’s emphasis on supporting families during this period. Attendance grew steadily, with workshops tailored to address evolving societal challenges, such as gerontology, hospital ministry, and cultural pluralism.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges (1980–1990)
By the 1980s, NDICE conferences focused on the practical and theological dimensions of diaconal ministry. The 1980 conference, themed “The Christian Call to Ministry,” underscored the continuity between liturgy and life, urging deacons to integrate service into both community and worship. Notable speakers like Dr. Mark Searle emphasized the deacon’s role as a bridge between the Church and society.
The 1981 theme, “The Deacon and Community,” highlighted the importance of building relationships within parishes and society. Workshops delved into family dynamics, small Christian communities, and the role of the deacon as a “street minister.” By fostering collaborative ministry, NDICE prepared deacons to address pressing issues, including economic inequality and racial justice.
During this period, the NDICE leadership recognized the importance of continuing education. Bishops and clergy frequently reminded attendees that formation did not end with ordination. Workshops and keynotes addressed challenges such as clericalism, the balance between secular work and ministry, and the deacon’s role in promoting justice.
A Growing Vision: Collaboration and Diversity (1990–2000)
The 1990s saw NDICE expand its focus to include broader themes of collaboration and inclusion. Conferences emphasized teamwork between deacons, priests, and lay ministers to build cohesive parish communities. The theme of the 1993 conference, “Celebrate the Call: The Struggle, the Reality, and the Promise,” marked the 25th anniversary of the restoration of the permanent diaconate in the United States. This milestone highlighted the progress of the ministry and its contributions to the Church.
Throughout the decade, NDICE tackled practical issues like conflict resolution, ministry in the workplace, and cultural diversity. Workshops on bereavement, prison ministry, and substance abuse reflected the growing complexity of diaconal service. Deacons were encouraged to be enablers of lay ministry and advocates for marginalized communities.
Keynote speakers during this period, including bishops and theologians, reinforced the deacon’s role as a servant-leader. They urged deacons to embrace innovative ministries, integrate their family lives into their ministry, and adapt to changing parish structures, such as priest shortages and parish consolidations.
Into the New Millennium (2000–2010)
Entering the 21st century, NDICE continued to adapt to the Church’s evolving needs. The 2000 conference, “Evangelization in the Community,” encouraged deacons to communicate the Gospel effectively within their parishes and neighborhoods. Notable speakers like Archbishop John Foley of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications emphasized the importance of bridging communication gaps.
The theme of the 2002 conference, “The Deacon and Marriage: Exercising Ministry,” reflected NDICE’s enduring focus on the family. Presentations explored how deacons could strengthen their marriages while balancing ministry and secular work. Attendees were reminded of the centrality of their families to their success as ministers.
Throughout this decade, NDICE also addressed the increasing visibility and responsibilities of deacons in the Church. Conferences explored issues such as professional development, financial compensation, and the integration of deacons into parish leadership. The role of the deacon as a prophetic voice in addressing social injustices remained a recurring theme.
Strengthening the Diaconal Mission (2010–2019)
By the 2010s, NDICE had become the longest-running national conference for permanent deacons in the United States. Its mission remained steadfast: to provide a space for education, spiritual growth, and collaboration. Themes during this decade included “The Deacon as Servant and Leader” and “The Healing Power of Diaconal Ministry,” which emphasized the deacon’s role in fostering reconciliation and unity within the Church and society.
The annual conferences also reflected on the global Church’s priorities, such as Pope Francis’s call for a “Church of the Poor.” Workshops and keynotes highlighted the deacon’s mission to serve marginalized communities and advocate for systemic change.
As NDICE marked its 45th anniversary in 2019, its legacy was celebrated as a cornerstone of the permanent diaconate in the United States. Over the decades, NDICE had grown from a modest gathering to a vital institution, serving thousands of deacons and their families.
NDICE’s Enduring Legacy
NDICE’s history is a testament to the enduring importance of the permanent diaconate in the life of the Church. From its humble beginnings in 1975 to its national prominence, NDICE has provided a platform for deacons to grow spiritually, theologically, and pastorally. It has fostered collaboration among clergy, laity, and deacons, while addressing contemporary challenges with creativity and compassion.
As NDICE continues into the future, it remains a beacon for the Church’s mission of service, embodying the values of faith, community, and dedication to the Gospel.