National Directory

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DIMENSIONS IN THE FORMATION OF DEACONS

5. During formation, the participant should have ample opportunities to participate appropriately in pastoral experience. (139-141) 6. Pastoral formation must include theological reflection so the par ticipant may integrate his ministerial activity with the broad scope of diaconal studies. (142) 7. A married man cannot be considered for the diaconate without the consent of his wife. (148) 8. While every effort ought to be made to involve the wife of a mar ried participant and deacon in an appropriate level of participation in her husband’s formation, care must simultaneously be taken to keep clear the essential distinction between ordained and familial life and the clear independence of diaconal ministry. (149) 9. The cultures and traditions of those in diaconal formation—mirror ing as they do the rich diversity of gifts in the Church—need to be respected and valued. Formation, therefore, must be sensitive and adapted to the circumstances of different cultures. (155) 10. Assessments are valuable occasions for the discernment, affirma tion, and development of a participant’s vocation. Assessments should be made and communicated on a regular basis. (163) 11. All stages, both initial and ongoing, of a well-conceived diocesan formation program will comply fully with the document of the Congregation for Catholic Education Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons , as well as this National Directory . (166) 1 PDV, no. 42. 2 BNFPD, nos. 66-88. 3 PDV, no. 43. 4 Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People (Apostolicam Actuositatem) (November 18, 1965), no. 2, www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_ council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651118_apostolicam-actuositatem_en.html . 5 “Ordination of a Deacon,” chap. 2 of Ordination of Deacons, Priests, and Bishops , in The Rites of the Catholic Church, vol. 2 (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1991), no. 14. 6 GDC, nos. 222-223. 7 Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Guide for Catechists (December 3, 1993) (Washington, DC: United States Catholic Conference, 1993), no. 21, emphasis original. 8 BNFPD, nos. 66-70.