Since the Diocese of Fort Worth began its own deacon formation program in 1985, four classes of deacons have been ordained: the classes of 1989, 1995 and 2003. Only one deaconate class is in formation at a time. The next class began formation in 2005, and is expected to be ordained in 2009. The class photos below include the wives of the married deacons because the wives of Permanent Deacons take part in the full formation process so that they and their husbands can grow together and support one another in their lives and ministries.