Being ordained to the diaconate is the first step towards Holy Orders. This step involves Steven make several promises; notably one of Obedience to the Bishop and a promise of celibacy.
During the last 4 years of seminary, a seminarian goes through different evaluations. The process of priestly formation is not just the discernment of the seminarian but it also involves a series of evaluations. For Steven's formation, he just completed the final of three evaluations.
Now that Steven has passed this final evaluation, the next step is to petition the Bishop. Ultimately it is the bishop who ordains deacons and priests.
Steven was required to hand write a petition to be approved. If accepted, the next point will be a one on one in person interview with the Bishop. This interview is known as a scrutiny.
In conjunction will all of these evaluations and interviews, is it required that Steven take a 5 day silent retreat which he will be doing over his Spring Break.