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

NDPD 266

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

a particular urgency. “The mission of Christ the Redeemer, which is entrusted to the Church, is still very far from completion. . . . An overall view of the human race shows that this mission is still only beginning and that we must commit ourselves wholeheartedly to its service.” 28 To this end, the ministry of the deacon holds great promise, especially for the urgent missionary and pastoral work of the new evangelization. The post-ordination stage of diaconal formation should give priority to this task. Pope Francis exhorts, “All of us are asked to obey his call to go forth from our own comfort zone in order to reach all the ‘peripheries’ in need of the light of the Gospel.” 29

IV. DIOCESAN ORGANIZATION FOR POST-ORDINATION STAGE FORMATION A Diocesan Post-Ordination Program

266 With the approval of the diocesan bishop, a program for the ongoing formation of deacons should be designed annually. It must take into consideration the demands made upon the deacons by their pastoral ministry, distances to be traveled, the frequency of gatherings, their time commitments to their families and secular employment, and the differ ing ages and needs of the deacons. In some places, regional or interdioce san collaboration should be given serious consideration. 30 The use of dis tance-learning modules also should be explored, especially when travel is a hardship. 31 Diocesan Policy 267 Each diocesan Church is to establish a basic minimum of continuing education hours to be fulfilled on an annual basis by all diocesan deacons

28 29 30

RM, no. 1. EG, no. 20.

DMLPD, no. 79.

31 See this National Directory, chapter eight, nos. 277-278, on distance learning.

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