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

296 NDPD

Organization, Structure, and Personnel

different formational activities and in the preparation of the judgment of suitability.” 18

VI. ADVISORY STRUCTURES FOR ASPIRANT AND CANDIDATE STAGES OF FORMATION

294 Members of advisory structures should be representative of the pas tors, deacons, deacons’ wives, religious, and laity. Whenever possible they ought to reflect the variety of cultures and diverse ethnic and racial groups in the diocese. Members may be nominated by the director of formation and be approved and appointed by the diocesan bishop. The director of formation serves as an ex officio , non-voting member of any advisory structure. 295 Advisory structures for the aspirant and candidate stages of formation include the formation policy board and the committee on admission, discussed below. Formation Policy Board 296 The diocesan bishop may constitute a formation policy board to assist him and the director of formation in matters of formation. The function of this board is to advise on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the formation program. Practical skills and expe rience in curriculum development, formation work, discernment and supervision, spiritual direction, counseling, finances, planning, and organizational development are some of the essential criteria in selecting appropriate board members. The board might also be set up in such a way that not all the members’ specific terms of service con clude together, allowing for continuity in the board’s deliberations. The membership and procedures of the board should be determined in accordance with its statutes, as approved by the diocesan bishop.

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BNFPD, no. 22.

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