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

NDPD 226

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

would also be useful for small groups of candidates to engage together in theological reflection “on the challenges and opportunities of their min istries” in relationship to the Gospel and magisterial teaching. 16 Further, throughout the formation process, it is expedient that the candidate’s spir itual director and those responsible for his formation ascertain the candi date’s understanding, willingness, and capacity to accept the Church’s dis cipline regarding perpetual celibacy not merely among those who are not married, but also among married men who will be required to embrace this ecclesiastical discipline in widowhood or divorce (even with a subse quent declaration of nullity). Dispensations from the requirement of celi bacy cannot be presumed. a. To help each candidate to increase in holiness by deepening and cultivating his commitment to Christ and the Church b. To strengthen his love for the study of the Word of God and his desire to pray with Scripture throughout a lifetime of ministry c. To assist the candidate in confirming his vocation to the diaconate d. To help him deepen his prayer life—personal, familial, communal, and liturgical—and to instill in the candidate a commitment to pray daily for the Church, especially through the Liturgy of the Hours e. To strengthen the personal charisms he has already demonstrated in his life f. To help him integrate his new commitment to prepare for the diaconate with his previous commitments to his family and profes sional employment g. To acquaint him with the relationship between spirituality and his commitment to the Church’s ministry of charity, which includes the promotion of justice 226 The goals of the spiritual dimension during the candidate stage of forma tion include the following:

16

PDG (1984), no. 99.

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