The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and the Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States (Ascension)

NDPD 165

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

self-assessment, formation team and mentor assessment, and peer and pastoral supervisory assessment, to name but a few. Different situa tions require different forms and levels of assessment. However, a suc cinct annual self-assessment written by the participant based on the four dimensions of formation is a valuable tool for the Church and for the participant as his vocation is discerned; an annual self-assessment should be considered as an element of the formation program. 164 Every assessment, however, has a dual purpose. It affirms the partici pant in identifying his gifts and capabilities, exhibits areas for his further growth and development, and indicates his limitations. It concurrently provides a similar assessment of the formation program itself. The assess ment outcome of an individual participant can demonstrate the pro gram’s achievement in integrating the various dimensions of formation, that is, the effectiveness of its structures and scheduling, and the com petency of its formators, professors, staff, and administrators. Simply stated, the assessment of the individual participant also points out the strength, potential, and limitation of the initial formation program. a. An increase in holiness of life b. An ability to clearly articulate the Catholic faith c. The capacity to apply church teaching and practice to concrete soci etal issues and pastoral concerns d. A sensitivity to enculturate the Gospel within the communities in which he lives, works, and ministers e. His embrace of the universal nature of the Church and its mission ary evangelical spirit f. A balanced capacity for and commitment to the ministries of word, liturgy, and charity, demonstrated in his words and deeds 165 The following are some indicators that an initial formation program is successful, measured by the participant’s ability to manifest:

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