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

NDPD 273

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

the Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations is another resource available through the secretariat.

II. STRUCTURES Diocesan Program for Diaconal Formation

273 “The diocese should provide appropriate structures for the formation,” 1 ministry, and life of deacons. Structures include an office, a policy board, a commission on admissions, and so on. Some practical functions of a diocesan diaconate formation structure include collaboration, formation planning, policy development, and post-ordination activities. 2 Models for Diaconal Formation 274 Various models for diaconal formation have developed in the United States of America. They provide the essential components for diaconal formation independently or in affiliation with other institutions. Some of the specific responsibilities would include the following: Collaboration i. I nvolvement of and accountability to the diocesan bishop ii. R elationship with diocesan offices, departments, and agencies; linkage with other ministry preparation programs in the diocese iii. Liaison with pastors, priests, religious, and laity iv. Relationship with regional and national diaconate associations and organizations Planning i. Appointment, readiness, and supervision of appropriate personnel to carry out the diaconal formation plan/activities i. Development of policies and procedures for recruitment, screening, and admissions ii. Development of policies and procedures for evaluation of those in formation iii. D evelopment of the program, taking account of concrete needs and local circumstances Post-Ordination Activities i. D evelopment of policies and procedures for diocesan diaconal life ii. Support structures for deacons, deacon spouses, and families iii. Policies/procedures for assignment and review of deacons iv. Continuing formation and spiritual formation policies and program opportunities v. Regular assessment of diaconal ministry in the diocese ii. Initial and ongoing catechesis of the diaconate iii. Integrate diaconal ministry into the local Church Policy Development 1. The freestanding structure is the most common model for diaconal formation in the United States of America. Within this diocesan 1 2 PDG (1984), no. 52.

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