National Directory

77

DIMENSIONS IN THE FORMATION OF DEACONS

The pastoral formation program should be designed, therefore, to build upon previous experiences and talents already displayed. In addition to identifying and developing the gifts already at work, the pastoral dimen sion of formation should aim at helping the participant to discover talents, perhaps unrecognized, and to develop the skills necessary for exercising the threefold diaconal ministry. A participant needs to demonstrate a genuine confidence in his own ability—a realistic sense of achieving the knowledge and skills required for an effective diaconal ministry—and a strong desire to serve in a broad range of ministerial circumstances. 138. Pastoral formation interfaces with spiritual formation. It is a forma tion for an ever greater identification with the diakonia entrusted to the Church by Christ. Care is to be taken to introduce the participant actively into the pastoral life of the diocesan Church and to make a priority periodic meetings with the diocesan bishop, priests, other dea cons, religious, and laity serving in official ministry, so as to ensure a coordinated unity for different pastoral activities. 43 Supervised pastoral formation placements should be designed and adapted to the needs of the individual participant, helping him to gradually and appropriately experience in his pastoral placement what he has learned in his study. 44 He should also be given ample opportunities to share experiences with deacons already in ministry. 139. Pastoral formation develops by means of a specific theological disci pline and a practical internship. This theological discipline, tradition ally called pastoral theology, is “a scientific reflection on the Church as she is built up daily.” 45 The pastoral dimension of formation needs to pay particular attention to the following elements: a. The Church’s Ministry of theWord —Proclamation of theWord in the varied contexts of ministerial service: kerygma , catechesis, homi letics (both in theory and practice), evangelization, and missiology 46 b. The Church’s Ministry of Liturgy —Liturgical praxis: celebra tion of the sacraments and sacramentals, service at the altar c. The Church’s Ministry of Charity —Educating and helping in the