About Us
We serve Directors of Deacon Formation and their associates, who have an important and sacred responsibility in selecting, forming, and sustaining deacons. This privilege requires formators to travel the path of intimacy with God. Your witness to intimacy with Christ makes a powerful and formative impact on new and seasoned deacons alike. To that end, the Institute for Diaconate Renewal (IDR) accompanies deacon formators like you in nurturing your interior life through contemplative, silent, directed retreats, as well as consultations.
The Institute for Diaconate Renewal is about intimacy with the Servant Heart of Christ! This video captures our vision for all deacons—nurturing the primacy of the interior life as a means of integrating human and spiritual growth, identity, and mission.
Meet our team
Our experienced staff is ready to serve you.
Dcn. Stephen Miletic
Co-Director
Deacon Stephen has offered clergy days; led lecture-based and silent retreats and formation seminars; and taught formation for lay evangelists and catechetical leaders in schools for spiritual direction for over 25 years in the U.S., Jamaica, and Belize. He was formerly a professor of Scripture at Franciscan University and is now focused on being the co-director of the IDR.
Dcn. Mark Erste
Co-Director
Deacon Mark has been involved in forming deacons for the past seven years. He has also provided liturgical training for various ministries in addition to being involved in retreat and renewal work in the Church for over 35 years. He is currently director of Institutional Research at Franciscan University, co-director of the IDR, and director of Diaconal Ministries for the Diocese of Steubenville.
Our Vision Statement
The Institute for Diaconate Renewal offers opportunities for the renewal and deepening the spiritual life of the deacon. This renewal occurs in the revitalization of the deacon’s filial relationship with the Father; the strengthening of his sacramental identity as Icon of Christ the Servant; and the deepening of his mission as one empowered by the Holy Spirit sent in mission by the Bishop. This renewal fosters integral human development and maturation as it addresses the universal hunger for loving intimacy with the Triune God through ongoing conversion to Christ, who came to serve and not be served (Mk. 10:45).
Upcoming Events
During our contemplative retreats you’ll be strengthened through eucharistic adoration, lectio divina, the sacraments, and spiritual direction while listening to the Lord’s still, small voice in the silence of your heart. You’ll come away encouraged and rejuvenated, so you can better serve the faithful men you form and guide in the diaconate.
These retreats have extended into Florida, Kansas, Ohio, West Virginia, and Illinois. All retreats are made through special arrangement.
Feel free to reach out to us to make your diocese our next stop.
Bishops & Deacons Agree
