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

NDPD 185

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

If canonical dispensations are required, these must be obtained before admission to aspirant formation.

185 Appropriate psychological consultation must be included as part of the application process, but always with the explicit, free, informed, and writ ten consent of the applicant. 11 Those selected as psychological consultants must use psychological methods in harmony with Christian anthropol ogy and Catholic teaching, particularly with respect to the theology of the diaconal vocation, the various states of life of the deacon, and the basic human qualities expected of a mature deacon. They also should obtain any pertinent and helpful information received in the admission process regarding the applicant. Care also must be taken in the selection of psychological consultants who will be assigned to applicants whose pri mary language is not English. A marriage indicator may be included for married applicants. Results from the chosen indicator should be reviewed by admissions personnel prior to any admissions decision. a. A church certificate of Baptism, Confirmation, and, if relevant, Matrimony, issued within the preceding six months 12 b. Proof of age (in accord with canon law, 13 the USCCB has estab lished the minimum age of ordination at thirty-five years) c. A completed application form and, as appropriate, a consent form regarding psychological consultation and the confidentiality of con sultative reports 14 12 If the information regarding Confirmation or marriage, if relevant, is not recorded on the baptismal record, separate certificates for Confirmation and marriage are to be obtained (CIC, cc. 1033, 1050 3°, 241 §2); relevant documents pertaining to a canonical declaration of nullity should also be obtained, if applicable. See this National Directory, no. 150. 13 CIC, c. 1031 §3. 14 The application form should provide information on his family; his religious, academic, employment, and service history; and a personal handwritten statement requesting admission into aspirant formation, indi cating his motivation for seeking ordination to the diaconate, his willingness to pledge his service to the diocesan Church, and his ability to fulfill the requirements of aspirant formation, if accepted. “It is necessary 11 BNFPD, no. 70. Required Application Documents 186 Required application documents include the following:

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