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

NDPD

Aspirant Stage of Diaconal Formation

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211 Because of its public character and its ecclesial significance, this rite should be celebrated in a proper manner, preferably on a Sun day or feast day. Special consideration should be given to the inclu sion of the candidate’s wife and children, as well as to the cultural traditions represented. 212 Aspirants accepted for candidacy—and, if married, their wives—should prepare themselves for the reception of the rite through a spiritual retreat. 24 It will usually be helpful for wives to participate in the retreat, although during portions of the retreat it will usually be helpful to pro vide the opportunity for separate treatment of the respective roles of each in the vocation of the husband to the diaconate. After the celebration of the Rite of Admission to Candidacy, a certificate indicating the reception, date, and place, as well as the name of the presiding prelate, must be pre pared and signed by the chancellor and officially sealed. This document is to be maintained carefully in the candidate’s personal file and recorded in the diocesan book on ministries and ordinations. 25 Norms 1. The aspirant stage is primarily a time to discern the readiness of the aspirant to be nominated to the diocesan bishop for acceptance into the candidate stage of diaconal formation. (190) 2. A handbook should be available to aspirants detailing the compo nents of the program, rationale and guidance for assessment, and the expectations and responsibilities of the aspirants, including the wife of any married aspirant. (192) 3. The aspirant phase, which will ordinarily last two years, involves discernment with emphasis on human elements, spiritual readiness, intellectual capacity, and pastoral abilities. (193) 4. The aspirant stage must create an environment in which the wife of a married aspirant can give her consent to her husband’s continuance

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BNFPD, no. 47. CL, enclosure I.

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