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

NDPD 190

CHAPTER FIVE Aspirant Stage of Diaconal Formation

I. INTRODUCTION 190 Upon completion of the initial inquiry process, the diocesan bishop may accept some inquirers into aspirancy. This aspirant stage of diaconal formation, as described in this National Directory , corresponds to the “propaedeutic period” required by the Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons of the Congregation for Catholic Education. 1 The aspirant stage is primarily a time to discern the capability and readiness of an aspirant to be nominated to the diocesan bishop for acceptance as a candidate for diaconal ordination. 2 191 Those responsible for the aspirant stage of formation must be thoroughly familiar with the doctrinal understanding of the diaconate, including its ministry and life and the dimensions of formation, as described in the Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons and this Directory . These components converge on a common goal: to enable the aspirant to demonstrate the possibility of a diaconal vocation and an appropriate level of readiness for eventual selection into candidate formation. 3 192 To create an environment conducive to adult Christian formation, the director of formation should maintain an aspirant handbook that details the components of the program, provides a rationale and guidance for assessment, and clearly delineates the expectations and responsibilities

1 BNFPD, nos. 41-44. “With admission among the aspirants to diaconate there begins a propaedeutic period . . . [in which] the aspirants will be introduced to a deeper knowledge of theology, of spirituality and of the ministry of deacon and they will be led to a more attentive discernment of their call.” The propaedeu tic period may be compared to the pre-seminary program in priestly formation or postulancy in religious life. 2 BNFPD, nos. 41-44. 3 See CL, nos. 1-2.

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