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

NDPD 214

CHAPTER SIX Candidate Stage of Diaconal Formation

I. INTRODUCTION 213 The candidate stage of initial formation is the occasion to confirm a man’s diaconal vocation 1 and prepare for ordination. Throughout this stage of formation, the candidate himself assumes the primary responsibility for his discernment and development. 2 “Self-formation does not imply iso lation . . . or independence from formators, but responsibility and dyna mism in responding with generosity to God’s call, valuing to the highest the people and tools which Providence puts at one’s disposition. Self-for mation has its roots in a firm determination to grow in life according to the Spirit and in conformity with the vocation received.” 3 214 In accord with the Code of Canon Law , the Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons by the Congregation for Catholic Education specifies that the candidate stage of diaconal formation “must last at least three years, in addition to the propaedeutic period , for all candidates.” 4 Readiness for ordi nation is assessed annually by both the candidate and formation personnel to ascertain what level of achievement the candidate has reached in his under standing of the diaconal vocation, its rights and its obligations, his growth in the spiritual life, his competency in required diaconal knowledge and skills, his practical experience in pastoral ministry, and his witness of human and affective maturity. If he is married, a discernment of his wife’s readiness is also to be made. In a Circular Letter directed to diocesan ordinaries on assessing II. THE LENGTH OF THE CANDIDATE STAGE OF FORMATION

1 2 3 4

BNFPD, nos. 45, 48.

BNFPD, no. 28. BNFPD, no. 28.

BNFPD, nos. 49-50, italics added. See CIC, c. 236.

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