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

NDPD

Candidate Stage of Diaconal Formation

244

or worse, a photocopied text.” 36 The candidate’s handwritten request must attest “that he will receive the sacred order of his own accord and freely will devote himself perpetually to the ecclesiastical ministry.” 37 c. The candidate’s wife writes and signs a statement in which she declares her consent to the ordination petition of her husband and makes clear her own understanding of the meaning of diaconal ministry. 38 d. The director of formation prepares a personal report, which should be detailed, making use of the model proposed in the Circular Letter, and which should include the annual vocational assessment report. 39 e. The director, in compliance with the Code of Canon Law , canons 1032 and 1050 1°, must present a certificate verifying the candi date’s completion of all required studies. f. The candidate’s proper pastor is consulted, and he writes a letter of recommendation. g. The committee on admission interviews the candidate to ascer tain his knowledge of the Order of Deacons to be received and its obligations and rights; his understanding and willingness, if single or widowed, to accept the Church’s discipline regarding perpetual celibate chastity; his understanding and willingness, if married, to embrace the magisterial teaching on marriage and sexuality, as well as its ecclesiastical discipline in widowhood; and his understanding of the rights and obligations of a cleric and his capacity to fulfill these responsibilities. h. The committee interviews the wife of a married candidate to ascer tain her willingness to support his petition and to live as the wife of a deacon. i. The canonical banns are published within a sufficiently extended period of time in advance of ordination in the parishes where the candidate has had an extended residence or presence in his forma tion ministries. 40

36 37 38 39 40

CL, no. 1.

See CIC, c. 1036.

CL, no. 8; CIC, c. 1050 3°.

See CIC, c. 1051 1°.

CL, no. 8; CIC, c. 1051 2°.

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