National Directory

157

ORGANIZATION, STRUCTURE, AND PERSONNEL FOR DIACONAL FORMATION

closely integrated with the human, spiritual, and intellectual dimen sions of formation, the coordinator of pastoral formation assists the director of formation in the apostolic formation of aspirants and can didates. He systematically introduces the aspirants and candidates into suitable pastoral experiences, equipping them with practical skills for pastoral and, eventually, diaconal ministry. The coordinator of pasto ral formation, who must be either a priest or a deacon, is nominated by the director of formation and is approved and appointed by the diocesan bishop. The coordinator of pastoral formation corresponds to the office of the “pastor (or other minister)” required by the Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons of the Congregation for Catholic Education. He administers and coordinates the program of pastoral formation for the aspirant and candidate stages of formation. In consultation with the director of formation and others responsible for formation, he arranges for the pastoral placement of each partici pant, including an orientation and training of those who assist him in the assignment. Supervisory skills cannot be presumed; teaching them is a high priority. Good supervision guarantees that the pastoral assign ment remains systematically educative and formational.The coordina tor of pastoral formation also provides a written assessment of the par ticipant’s pastoral assignment. The coordinator of pastoral formation has faculty status, thereby ensuring that all pastoral assignments are carefully coordinated with the other dimensions of formation. 289. It is important that the coordinator of pastoral formation have parish experience, be familiar with pastoral formation, be knowledgeable in theology and supervisory techniques, and be familiar with the value and practice of theological reflection—its goals, objectives, and meth ods. He should possess formal training in supervision and counsel ing. Because the pastoral service of the diocesan Church extends to all individuals and groups, including all social classes, with special con cern for the poor and those alienated from society, the coordinator of pastoral formation also should have knowledge of the needs and resources within the diocesan Church. He should be familiar with deacon placements within the diocese and their effectiveness in the