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

NDPD 229

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

for theological reflection, as well as occasions to translate” intellectual knowledge into pastoral service. 20 A description of the core content for the formation of candidates can be found in norms 13 through 15 at the end of this chapter. “Competent, objective,” and supportive supervisors will be required in order to help the candidate to achieve these goals. 21 The diocesan Church “must be committed to the [selection and] prepa ration of skillful . . . supervisors who possess pastoral experience, [train ing] . . . in the art of supervision, and . . . [the ability to assist] mature men with [diverse] life experiences.” 22 During candidacy, emphasis also is to be given to the study of the role of culture in human, spiritual, and pastoral formation. Further, the pastoral dimension is to provide a sig nificant grounding in the social justice teaching of the Church. 229 A primary opportunity for assessment of the candidate occurs within an actual pastoral setting. Can the candidate do that which his training is preparing him to do? Does the way in which he presents himself in pastoral ministry show, for example, an integrated and balanced sense of the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council and an understanding of his role within the Church and in its mission of service? Does the way he participates in and leads prayerful gatherings of his community give evidence of liturgical knowledge and cultural sensitivity? Can he demon strate a properly formed conscience and moral sensitivity? Can he form others in a convincing, sound manner? Each diocese should find those assessment methods that best measure the progress of each candidate in appropriating the diaconal identity and mission. In the interest of trans parency and fairness, the assessment methods/benchmarks chosen by the diocesan bishop and formation faculty are to be well articulated and V. THE ASSESSMENT OF CANDIDATES Formational Assessment

20 21 22

PDG (1984), no. 84. PDG (1984), no. 84. PDG (1984), no. 85.

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