National Directory

135

CANDIDATE STAGE OF DIACONAL FORMATION

origins of the Church in the United States of America. (133, 227) 10. From canon law, the core studies should include a general introduc tion and those canons specific to the exercise of the diaconate, in particular marriage legislation, as well as the obligations and rights of clerics and the canons relevant to diocesan structures and the administration of temporal goods. In addition, a provision should be made for instruction on the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children andYoung People and Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies for Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons . (133, 227) 11. From spirituality, the core studies should include an introduction to spirituality, to spiritual direction, to lay spirituality, and to a selection of classic spiritual writers. (132, 227) 12. From Liturgy, the core studies should include an introduction to Liturgy and to the historical, spiritual, and juridical aspects of Liturgy. (133, 227) 13. Practica for the ministry of liturgy should include specific train ing in the functions of the deacon during the Eucharist, Baptism, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the Sacrament of Matrimony, the rites of Christian burial, and other liturgical ministries of the diaconate. (138, 139) 14. From homiletics, deacons should have courses specifically aimed at preparing and delivering homilies. (139) 15. Pastoral formation must include a wide diversity of pastoral ser vices, including opportunities for theological reflection. Attention should be given to the study of the role of culture in human and spiritual formation. (135, 138, 140, 142, 228) 16. A comprehensive seminar should be conducted at the end of the candidate stage of formation to enhance the candidates’ integration of learning and to assess their readiness for ordination. (234) 17. The responsibility of formation personnel culminates in the prepa ration of a yearly written report on each aspirant and candidate that will be presented to the diocesan bishop through the director of formation. (236) 18. The director of formation must verbally transmit a yearly report to each candidate. (237)