The Permanent Diaconate Program in the Diocese of El Paso was originally established by Bishop Sidney M. Metzger in 1973 and then reconstituted in January 2004 by Bishop Armando X. Ochoa. Formation for the permanent diaconate is a four-year program. It includes a year of discernment and three years of candidacy consisting of formation seminars, academic courses, annual retreats, and parish assignments. This fund provides support to the Diocese of El Paso for the continuing spiritual and academic formation of permanent deacons. 

In the Catholic Church, the diaconate is the first of three ranks in ordained ministry. Deacons preparing for the priesthood are transitional deacons. Those not planning to be ordained priests are called permanent deacons. Through their diaconate ministry, they preach the word of God during Mass and other liturgical celebrations, preparing couples for marriage, and even witnessing the sacrament of matrimony, as well as preparing parents and sponsors for the baptism of their children and performing the sacrament of baptism.