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

NDPD 251

CHAPTER SEVEN Post-Ordination Stage of Diaconal Formation

I. INTRODUCTION 251 The post-ordination stage of diaconal formation “is first and foremost a process of continual conversion.” 1 [It] requires that ongoing formation strengthen in [each deacon] the consciousness and willingness to live in informed, active and mature communion with their diocesan bishops and priests of their diocese, and with the Supreme Pontiff who is the visible foundation of the entire Church’s unity. When formed in this way, they can become in their ministry effective promoters of communion. . . . The continuing formation of deacons is a human necessity which must be seen in continuity with the divine call to serve the Church in the ministry and with the initial formation given to deacons, to the extent that these are considered two initial moments in a single, living, process of Christian and diaconal life. 2 The goal for this stage of formation is to responsibly address the various aspects of a deacon’s ministry, the development of his personality and, above all, his commitment to spiritual growth. “Ongoing formation must include and harmonize all dimensions of the life and ministry of the deacon. Thus . . . it should be complete, systematic and personalized in its diverse aspects whether human, spiritual, intellectual or pastoral.” 3 The primary source for post-ordination formation is the ministry itself. The deacon matures in its exercise and by focusing his own call to holiness on the fulfillment of his social and ecclesial duties, in particular,

1 2 3

DMLPD, no. 65. DMLPD, nos. 71, 63.

DMLPD, no. 68; see no. 68 note 204.

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