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

NDPD

Post-Ordination Stage of Diaconal Formation

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of his ministerial functions and responsibilities. The formation of dea cons should, therefore, concentrate in a special way on awareness of their ministerial character. 4 252 The post-ordination stage of formation is motivated by the same dynamism as the holy order received. As St. Paul wrote to Timothy: “Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands. . . . Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you” (1 Tm 4:14-16). 253 The post-ordination stage provides the deacon with ample opportunities to continue to develop and integrate the dimensions of formation into his life and ministry. 5 This ensures the quality of his life and ministry, avoiding the risk of ministerial burnout. In certain cases of difficulty, such as discouragement or a change in ministry, post-ordination forma tion can entail a process of renewal and revitalization. 254 In designing the content for an ongoing formation program, those respon sible “should take into consideration two distinct but closely related levels of formation: the diocesan level, in reference to the diocesan bishop. . . . and the community level in which the deacon exercises his own ministry, in reference to the parish priest.” 6 The deacon is ordained for service to the diocesan Church, even though the focus of that service will usually be within a particular parochial community. Keeping a balance in this dual relationship is essential to his effectiveness as a deacon. II. THE DIMENSIONS OF FORMATION IN THE POST-ORDINATION STAGE

4 5 6

DMLPD, no. 75. DMLPD, no. 68. DMLPD, no. 76.

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