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

NDPD 195

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

more essentially, to ascertain her compatibility with her husband’s diaco nal vocation and eventual ministry. 8

195 During this period of discernment, the aspirant is to be introduced to the study of theology, to a deeper knowledge of the spirituality and ministry of the deacon, and to a more attentive discernment of his call. This period is also a time to form an aspirant community with its own cycle of meetings and prayer. Finally, this period is to ensure the aspirant’s regular participation in spiritual direction, to introduce him to the pastoral ministries of the diocesan Church, and to assist his family in their support of his formation. 9

II. THE DIMENSIONS OF FORMATION IN THE ASPIRANT STAGE

196 At the aspirant level in formation, the following objectives are to be highlighted. These are presented in greater detail in chapter three, “Dimensions in the Formation of Deacons.” Human Dimension 197 In his post-synodal apostolic exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis , St. John Paul II quotes propositio 21 of the 1990 extraordinary synod of bishops: “The whole work of priestly formation would be deprived of its neces sary foundation if it lacked a suitable human formation.” 10 In a similar way, the same may be said about the human dimension of diaconal for mation. The goal of a suitable human formation is to help the aspirant develop “his human personality in such a way that it becomes a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ.” 11 This might be more effectively achieved by giving attention to such areas as marriage development, emotional healing and maturing, integration of

8 9

BNFPD, no. 37. BNFPD, nos. 41-44.

10 11

PDV, no. 43. PDV, no. 43.

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