National Directory

88

DIMENSIONS IN THE FORMATION OF DEACONS

163. If conducted seriously and communicated frankly, assessments can be valuable occasions for the discernment, affirmation, and develop ment of a vocation. Assessments should be made and communicated on a regular basis. There are multiple ways of assessing, including self-assessment, formation team and mentor assessment, and peer and pastoral supervisory assessment, to name but a few. Different situations require different forms and levels of assessment. How ever, a succinct annual self-assessment written by the participant based on the four dimensions of formation is a valuable tool for the Church and for the participant as his vocation is discerned; an annual self-assessment should be considered as an element of the formation program. 164. Every assessment, however, has a dual purpose. It affirms the partici pant in identifying his gifts and capabilities, exhibits areas for his fur ther growth and development, and indicates his limitations. It concur rently provides a similar assessment of the formation program itself. The assessment outcome of an individual participant can demonstrate the program’s achievement in integrating the various dimensions of formation, that is, the effectiveness of its structures and scheduling, and the competency of its formators, professors, staff, and administra tors. Simply stated, the assessment of the individual participant also points out the strength, potential, and limitation of the initial forma tion program. 165. The following are some indicators that an initial formation program is successful, measured by the participant’s ability to manifest: a. An increase in holiness of life b. An ability to clearly articulate the Catholic faith c. The capacity to apply church teaching and practice to concrete societal issues and pastoral concerns d. A sensitivity to enculturate the Gospel within the communities in which he lives, works, and ministers