Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 245

Spiritual Dimension

evangelical counsels for priestly life. He manifests the identity of the priesthood—Head and Shepherd, Servant and Spouse. VOCATIONAL SYNTHESIS STAGE BENCHMARKS In this stage, the transitional deacon continues to grow in the solid foundations of prayer, discernment, and solitude as he moves to full time ministry in the parish. It is important that during the vocational synthesis stage he continues to maintain his regular habits of spiritual direction, daily Mass, and personal prayer, demonstrating the ability to integrate into his own internal spiritual and prayer life his pastoral experiences and the people to whom he ministers. A formal process of theological reflection will aid this effort. His continued growth in the pursuit of holiness, essential to his priesthood, is aided through his faithful pursuit of ministry. 309 Demonstrating an obedient heart in his pastoral assignment and in his relationship with his bishop and pastor, or with the competent authority of an institute of consecrated life or society of apostolic life, is necessary for his future happiness as a priest. So too, his recognizing the need for appropriate and regular communication with his bishop, vicar general, and other diocesan officials or competent superiors is a way of demonstrating that he understands the spirit of an obedient priestly heart. To continue his growth in the virtue of chastity and strengthen his celibate commitment, it is vital that the transitional deacon demonstrate the ability to recognize and discuss potentially unhealthy relationships in ministry, not simply in generic terms but personally. This will assist him in having the necessary ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and safeguards in pastoral settings. Demonstrating the ability to spend time alone in his pastoral setting and continuing to master a

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309 See CIC, c. 276 §2, 1°; Presbyterorum Ordinis , nos. 12-14.

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