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

NDPD 262

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

own identity and purpose. Thus, an ongoing pastoral formation pro gram responds to the concerns and issues pertinent to the deacon’s life and ministry, in keeping with the pastoral plan of the diocesan Church and in loyal and firm communion with the Supreme Pontiff and with his own diocesan bishop.

III. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Specialization Programming

262 “The ministry of the word leads to ministry at the altar, which in turn prompts the transformation of life by the liturgy, resulting in charity.” 24 As a deacon eventually focuses on more specific ministries through his responsiveness to the growing needs of the people he serves, it will be necessary to provide more specific programming designed to address his personal needs, talents, and ministry. Initially, however, consideration should be given to deepening his understanding and skills in the minis tries of the word, liturgy, and charity. 263 There are particular matters relevant to the newly ordained. It is import ant, therefore, that the newly ordained begin their ministry in a positive and supportive manner. A program is to be planned for the first five years of their ministry and coordinated by the Director of the Perma nent Diaconate. In the early phase of their ministry, ongoing formation will largely reinforce the basic training and its application in ministerial practice. Later formation will entail a more in-depth study of the various components proposed in the dimensions in diaconal formation. Con sideration also should be given to the newly ordained deacon’s conversa tional study of a second language used within the diocese and the study of its cultural environment. Deacons, as ministers of Christ the Servant, Program for the Newly Ordained: First Five Years of Diaconate Ministry

24

DMLPD, no. 39.

134