National Directory

96

VOCATION, DISCERNMENT, AND SELECTION

conversational level.The opportunity for formal study of Hispanic and other cultures also should be provided. Further, the study of English and the historical development of a multicultural society within the United States of America should be provided to those whose primary language is not English. 172. The above discussion regarding the recruitment and retention of Hispanic candidates applies to each cultural, racial, and ethnic com munity, especially Native American communities. Those responsible for recruitment, discernment, and formation have a responsibility to exercise multicultural sensitivity. They need to appreciate cultural subtleties and differences, acknowledging the historical constrictions experienced within these communities. Further, familiarity with family structures and traditions is important. This cultural/racial/ethnic ori entation and sensitivity enables recruiters and those involved in forma tion to competently discern and foster diaconal vocations within these diverse communities. II. The Mystery of Vocation 173. “The history . . . of every Christian vocation, is the history of an inex pressible dialogue between God and human beings , between the love of God who calls and the freedom of individuals who respond lovingly to him.” 1 This calling-forth from God is marked first in the reception of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Then from out of this body of believers, Christ calls some of his disciples to service for the whole Church. The Church discerns this calling and, if it is found worthy, asks the diocesan bishop to ordain them to Holy Orders. 174. From the experience of the restored diaconate in the United States of America, certain behavioral patterns have been discerned among