In 2004 the USCCB published the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. In April of 2007 Archbishop Gregory authorized the Office of the Permanent Diaconate to begin implementation of the norms outlined in the National Directory. A self-study committee comprised of deacons, priests, lay people and religious from all parts of the Archdiocese was created. The Self Study document from the National Directory was used as the guide. Recommendations were turned over to writing committees made up of deacons.

A visiting committee reviewed the program and the drafts. They interviewed the self-study committee, pastors, priests, wives of deacons, and men in formation. Recommendations were presented to the Archbishop and incorporated into the draft Directories.

On September 26, 2016 Archbishop Gregory promulgated the approved and final versions of the Directories.