National Directory

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POST-ORDINATION STAGE OF DIACONAL FORMATION

a. Daily or frequent participation in the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life 17 b. Daily or frequent Eucharistic Adoration, as often as his secular employment and family requirements permit c. It is laudable to develop the habit of monthly celebration of the Sacrament of Penance d. Daily celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, at the very least Morning and Evening Prayer 18 e. Shared prayer with his family f. Meditative prayer on holy Scripture— lectio divina g. Devotion to Mary, the Mother of God h. Prayerful preparation of oneself prior to celebrating the sacraments, preaching, or beginning one’s ministry of charity i. Theological reflection j. Monthly spiritual direction (recommended) 260. The intellectual dimension of diaconate formation does not end with ordination but is an ongoing requirement of the vocation. The theo logical demands of the call to a singular ministry of ecclesial service and pastoral servant-leadership require of deacons a growing love for the Church—for God’s holy People—shown by their faithful and competent carrying out of their proper functions and responsibili ties. The intellectual dimension of post-ordination formation must be systematic and substantive, deepening the intellectual content initially studied during the candidate stage of formation. Study days, renewal courses, and participation in academic institutes are appropriate for mats to achieve this goal. In particular, Ongoing formation cannot be confined simply to updating; it should seek to facilitate a practical configuration of the deacon’s entire life to Christ who loves all and serves all. . . . In addition, it is k. Participation in an annual retreat 19 l. Authentic living of one’s state of life m. Time for personal and familial growth Intellectual Dimension: Theological Renewal 20