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

X NDPD 186

Vocation, Discernment, and Selection

d. A recent photograph of the nominee 15 and, if married, of his wife, for administrative and faculty identification e. A personal handwritten statement from the wife of a married appli cant indicating her initial consent for his application and entrance into aspirant formation 16 f. Letters of recommendation 17 g. Results from a recent physical examination to ensure that applicants possess the good health necessary for diaconal formation and minis try (this exam should include HIV and drug testing) h. An official transcript of past or present academic studies 18 i. “A written report of the rector of any previous house in which the candidate has spent time in formation,” 19 including “explicit refer ence to the evaluations of the candidate and the votes he received” 20 j. A written report from the director of any previous diaconal formation program in which the applicant has spent time in forma tion, including explicit reference to the evaluations of the applicant and the votes he received k. A thorough criminal, cyber, and social media profile background check of each nominee under the auspices of the diocesan diaconate office, including a report of the applicant’s financial stability l. Proof of legal residency and canonical domicile or quasi-domicile in the diocese 21 m. A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s employer 22 n. A personal autobiography, which is helpful in getting to know the applicant more intimately that this request be composed by the candidate personally and written out in his own hand and may not be a copied formulary, or worse, a photocopied text (see CIC, c. 1034 §1).” CL, enclosure II, no. 1. 15 CL, enclosure I, no. 5. 16 See note 14 in this chapter. This letter also should indicate her willingness to participate in the formation program as appropriate. 17 CL, enclosure I, 11. Letters should be requested from priests, deacons, parishioners, and colleagues. 18 CL, nos. 3, 4. 19 CL, no. 10. 20 CL, no. 4. See no. 8. 21 See CIC, c. 265. 22 The contact with the employer provides a way to inform him or her of the applicant’s possible participation in a program of education that may require occasional time alterations in his work schedule.

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