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

NDPD

Aspirant Stage of Diaconal Formation

208

family; he also must state that he has received the consent of his wife. If he is not married, he should indicate his awareness of the meaning of diaconal ordination and ministry, as well as his understanding of and ability to live the requirement of perpetual celibacy, which also applies to a married deacon should his wife predecease him following ordination or in the event of a subsequent civil divorce. 17 b. A personal, handwritten, and signed letter of consent prepared by the married aspirant’s wife. 18

208 The following assessments are to be conducted and maintained in the aspirant’s and candidate’s permanent file:

a. Written pastoral supervisors’ assessments and reports b. Written parochial assessments prepared by the pastor and parish staff c. If applicable, a written assessment by the rector of any previous house of formation, or a similar report from the director of any diaconal formation program in which the aspirant or candidate pre viously participated d. In a case where an aspirant comes from another diocesan Church, a letter of recommendation from his previous pastor, as well as con sultation with that Church’s vocations and diaconate offices e. An assessment of the aspirant’s or candidate’s aptitude for preaching, catechizing, and evangelization f. A personal assessment from the director of formation, prepared for the committee on admission, following the model prescribed by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments 19

17

See this National Directory, nos. 75-78, 225.

18 CL, enclosure I, no. 14. The wife must declare her consent for his petition to enter into candidacy forma tion; she also should clearly state her understanding of the meaning of diaconal ordination and ministry and its impact on their marriage and family. 19 CL. Shared resources are available from the Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations at the USCCB and from the National Association of Diaconate Directors.

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