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

NDPD 238

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

admittance to the ministries of lector and acolyte and regarding ordina tion to the diaconate.

238 If a candidate does not possess the necessary human, spiritual, intellec tual, or pastoral qualities that will allow him to minister as a deacon in a collaborative and effective way, it is only just to the individual and to the Church to communicate this to him as early as possible and in a con structive manner. Sometimes the evaluation consensus clearly indicates termination of formation or a refusal of recommendation for advance ment to ministries or ordination. Candidates who lack positive qual ities for continuing in the formation process should not nourish false hopes and illusions that could damage themselves and their families, their peers, or the Church. Therefore, with the approval of the diocesan bishop, the candidate should be advised to leave formation. Although no one has a right to continue in formation or a right to be ordained, in jus tice and with pastoral sensitivity the reasons for this decision should be shared with the candidate, and a fair hearing should be given to his own assessment of the situation, as well as to that of others who may wish to speak on his behalf. 239 In situations of doubt about the readiness of a candidate to be called to ordination, or about his progress in achieving appropriate levels of adult formation, the diocesan bishop may consider a period of probation. This time, however, should be specifically limited, not left open-ended. Like wise, appropriate supervision is absolutely necessary during this period to bring about needed growth and provide suitable information on which to base a judgment. It will be helpful, therefore, to prepare a written plan of action indicating the goals to be achieved, the actions that will be followed to meet the goals, and the means of evaluating and verifying the achieve ment of the goals. This written plan should further specify the supervisor who will accompany the candidate through the process. It must be under stood that in such situations, the burden of proof of readiness for ordina tion rests with the candidate, and doubt is resolved in favor of the Church.

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