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

NDPD 180

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

mission of charity and social justice have a unique opportunity to call forth appropriate nominees from among their personnel.

180 An inquiry about the diaconate and the formation process eventually includes the diocesan Church. Information sessions, the exploration of the criteria for a diaconal vocation, and particular counsel presented by the diocesan diaconate office can aid an individual in his decision to move forward to a formal application. 181 When the inquirer is presented to the diocese by his pastor and submits an application, the formal process for admission begins. This initial dis cernment continues with particular focus on the applicant’s abilities and potential for ordained ministry. Both the applicant and the diocesan Church enter into an intensive screening process. IV. ADMISSION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES The Role of the Pastor and Parish Community 182 The inquirer who seeks consideration for ordination to the diaconate needs to enter into dialogue with his parish community. It is the pas tor who initially presents him for consideration into diaconal formation through a letter that confirms he is a practicing Catholic of good repute and in good standing. 7 This letter should attest that the man shows evi dence of the qualities, attitudes, experience, and spirituality deemed nec essary for admission into formation, namely: a. He is actively involved in parish and other community service. b. He is in full communion with the Church. (At least five years should elapse between a convert’s or returning Catholic’s entry into the Church and his acceptance into formation; care must be given

7 See this National Directory, chapter eight, no. 297, on committee on admission.

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