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

X NDPD 174

Vocation, Discernment, and Selection

172 The above discussion regarding the recruitment and retention of Hispanic candidates applies to each cultural, racial, and ethnic community, espe cially Native American communities. Those responsible for recruitment, discernment, and formation have a responsibility to exercise multicul tural sensitivity. They need to appreciate cultural subtleties and differ ences, acknowledging the historical constrictions experienced within these communities. Further, familiarity with family structures and tradi tions is important. This cultural/racial/ethnic orientation and sensitivity enables recruiters and those involved in formation to competently dis cern and foster diaconal vocations within these diverse communities. II. THE MYSTERY OF VOCATION 173 “The history . . . of every Christian vocation, is the history of an inex pressible dialogue between God and human beings , between the love of God who calls and the freedom of individuals who respond lovingly to him.” 1 This calling-forth from God is marked first in the reception of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Then from out of this body of believ ers, Christ calls some of his disciples to service for the whole Church. The Church discerns this calling and, if it is found worthy, asks the dioc esan bishop to ordain them to Holy Orders. 174 From the experience of the restored diaconate in the United States of America, certain behavioral patterns have been discerned among exemplary deacons: a “natural inclination of service to the . . . Christian community” 2 and to all in need; psychological integrity; a capacity for dialogue, which implies a sense of docility and openness; the ability to share one’s faith yet listen respectfully to other points of view; the capacity to listen carefully and without prejudices—respecting people in the context of their religion, race, gender, ethnicity, and culture; good

1

BNFPD, no. 29, citing PDV, no. 36.

2 DMLPD, no. 49, citing St. Paul VI, Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem (June 18, 1967), no. 8, www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio _19670618_sacrum-diaconatus.html.

87