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

NDPD 212

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

in formation. More essentially, it must ascertain her compatibility with her husband’s diaconal vocation and eventual ministry. (194) 5. The objectives and content for intellectual formation at the aspirant level should communicate a deeper knowledge of the faith and Church Tradition, as well as diaconal theology and spirituality, and should include meetings for prayer, instructions, and moments of reflection that will ensure the objective nature of vocational discernment. (204) 6. The conclusion of the aspirant stage of formation is determined through a formal assessment conducted by the committee on admission. (206) 7. A copy of the personal, handwritten, and signed letter prepared for the diocesan bishop by the aspirant requesting admission to the can didate stage of formation, as well as a copy of the personal, hand written, and signed letter of consent prepared by the married aspi rant’s wife, is to be maintained carefully in the candidate’s personal file. (207, 209) 8. After the aspirant stage is completed, the aspirant is selected by the diocesan bishop. The aspirant then begins the candidate stage of formation with the Rite of Admission to Candidacy, which is to be celebrated as soon as possible and in a proper manner. (210) 9. A retreat should precede the Rite of Admission to Candidacy. (212) 10. A certificate indicating the reception, date, and place, as well as the name of the presiding prelate, must be prepared 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. (212)

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