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

265

should be prepared to link people of diverse languages and cultures into the local faith community of the diocese and parish. Deacons in their initial pastoral assignments should be carefully supervised by an exem plary designated pastor or priest supervisor especially appointed to this task by the diocesan bishop. 25 Program for the Newly Widowed Deacon 264 Those deacons who are recently widowed face unique challenges in their new life situation. In addition to providing support through the grieving process, the diocesan bishop should, at an appropriate time, ensure the dea con is provided with formation to help him understand the implications of the lifelong celibate state that is now his own. 26 The widowed deacon will also benefit from resources for healthy celibate living, such as spiritual reading on celibacy, a support group with other celibate clerics, additional spiritual direction, and counseling. Such formation will include leading the deacon into deeper contemplative prayer, so that he may better embrace the solitude that comes with the loss of his wife. His promise of celibacy that may have remained theoretical has become real. The widowed deacon is now invited into a consecrated love of Christ in celibate chastity. He may become more available to the needs of the Church, which has implications for a deacon’s personal life and ministry. The diocesan bishop should dis cern with the widowed deacon if he can accept more substantive ministerial and spiritual responsibilities.

New Evangelization: The Deacon in the Third Christian Millennium

265 “The vocation of the permanent deacon is a great gift of God to the Church and for this reason is ‘an important enrichment for the Church’s mission.’” 27 Being called and being sent by the Lord have always been important, but in contemporary historical circumstances they acquire

25 26 27

DMLPD, no. 77.

See this National Directory, nos. 79, 80, and 225.

PDO, no. 2.

135