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

X NDPD 179

Vocation, Discernment, and Selection

diaconate and formation. Here, an individual initially reflects upon the nature of his perceived call. Primacy must be given at this time to the spiritual dimension, and central to this is spiritual guidance. Pope Francis refers to the “art of accompaniment” as steady and reassuring, encouraging growth in the Christian life. 5 The individual’s pastor and others on the parish staff are particular resources at this time. 178 Because the majority of those who inquire about the diaconate are mar ried, they should be directed to pay particular attention to discussing their possible vocation with their wives and families. The initial infor mation and conversations with their pastor and others should assist and encourage these discussions. For a married man, the support and con sent of his wife is required. Therefore, both spouses need to make sure that support and consent, even at this early stage of discernment, arise from an informed understanding. Careful consideration must be given in those rare cases where an applicant to the diaconal formation pro gram is in a mixed marriage or a disparity of cult marriage. If the appli cant is accepted into the program, this situation may require additional preparation for the participant and his wife. Many regions and cultures also place emphasis on the participation of the extended family. This, too, is an important resource for discernment. 179 An inquiry and eventual application for entrance into diaconal forma tion constitute not just a personal and family journey. The Church must accompany it. The parish is the primary experience of Church for most inquirers. It is the responsibility of this community and, in particular, its pastor to invite from among its members those who may be qualified to serve as ordained ministers of the Church. 6 Similarly, those church and community agencies that have often carried out the Church’s

5 “The ‘art of accompaniment,’ which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other (cf. Ex 3:5). . . . must be steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life.” EG, no. 169. 6 BNFPD, no. 40; CIC, c. 233 §1.

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