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

NDPD

Candidate Stage of Diaconal Formation

249

document is to be kept in the candidate’s personal file and noted in the diocesan book of ministries and ordinations.

Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate 248 An interval of at least six months must elapse between the conferring of the ministry of acolyte and ordination to the diaconate. 45 Further, a canonical retreat of at least five days must precede the ordination. 46 It will usually be helpful to wives to participate in the retreat, although during portions of the retreat it will usually be helpful to provide the opportunity for separate treatment of the respective roles of each in the vocation of the husband to the diaconate. Prior to ordination to the diaconate, the ordi nand must make the Profession of Faith and the Oath of Fidelity in the presence of the diocesan bishop or his delegate and must sign them by his own hand. 47 He must take the Oath of Fidelity and make a personal dec laration concerning his freedom to receive sacred ordination, as well as his own clear awareness of the obligations and commitments implied by that ordination. For married candidates, this includes an understanding that if his wife were to die, he would live a life of celibacy. An unmarried candi date must make a declaration regarding the obligation of sacred celibacy; this declaration must be written in the candidate’s own handwriting and expressed in his own words. A married candidate, should his wife prede cease him after ordination, is bound to the celibate state for the remain der of his life. 48 Prior to ordination the diocesan bishop will issue a formal letter of call to ordination. All of these documents are to be carefully pre served in the candidate’s personal file. 49 249 It is preferable to celebrate the ordination in the cathedral church on a Sunday or feast day, according to the rite of the Roman Pontifical , invit ing the diocesan Church’s full participation. “During the rite special

45 46 47

CIC, c. 1035 §2; BNFPD, no. 59. CIC, c. 1039; BNFPD, no. 65.

See CIC, c. 833 6°.

48 “Those in sacred orders invalidly attempt marriage.” CIC, c. 1087. See also CIC, c. 1044, §1 3°. 49 CL.

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