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

NDPD 175

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

communication skills; a sense of responsibility that includes fulfilling one’s word and completing one’s work; self-directed and collaborative accountability; balanced and prudent judgment; generosity in service; and the ability to lead, motivate, facilitate, and animate others into appropriate action and service. 3 175 The profile is completed with certain spiritual and evangelical qual ities. Among these are a sound faith; good Christian reputation; active involvement in the Church’s apostolate; personal integrity, maturity, and holiness; regular participation in the Church’s sac ramental life; evidence of recognized, ongoing commitment to the Church’s life and service; participation in faith enrichment opportu nities (e.g., retreats, days of recollection, adult education program ming); a stable marriage, if married, or a mature celibate state of life, if single; active membership in a Christian community; capacity for obedience and fraternal communion; and a deep spirituality and prayer life. The presence of these qualities, experienced in kindness and humility, may demonstrate a call to the Order of Deacons. 4 176 Additional considerations that need to be stressed are the element of readiness and the timeliness of one’s response to a vocation. Since inquirers to the diaconate have many commitments to family, career, employment, community, and church service, it is a matter of pru dential judgment to explore not only whether the call to the diaconate comes from the Holy Spirit, but also whether the inquirer is ready and able to respond to that call at the present time.

III. THE DISCERNMENT OF THE CALL 177 The first stirrings of a vocation to the diaconate are often explored at a personal level and usually begin with seeking information about the

3 4

BNFPD, no. 32. BNFPD, nos. 31-33.

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