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

X NDPD 189

Vocation, Discernment, and Selection

189 With the acceptance of the applicant into aspirant formation, the admis sion process continues with an assessment of readiness for entrance into the candidate stage of formation. This phase of discernment extends throughout the entire aspirant formation process, thereby allowing ample opportunity for personal observations, dialogue, interviews, and additional assessments of each aspirant. Norms 1. The inquirer who seeks consideration for ordination to the perma nent diaconate needs to enter into dialogue with his parish, because it is the pastor who is required to present him initially for diaconal formation. (182) 2. A formal application process, as well as a committee on admission should be in place to review and nominate applicants. (183, 297) 3. As part of the application process, those charged with admission must—with appropriate care for confidentiality and manifestation of conscience—explore for the presence of canonical impediments to ordination. If canonical dispensations are required, these must be obtained before admission to aspirant formation. (184) 4. Required application documents are listed in paragraph 186. (186) 5. With acceptance into aspirant formation, the applicant’s admission process continues with an assessment of readiness for entrance into the candidate stage of formation. (189)

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