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

X NDPD 12

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

Diaconate in the Catholic Church in the United States, 1994-1995, pub lished in 1996 . 40 The 1996 Study focused on concerns that had surfaced at a special assembly of the NCCB that was convened to address voca tions and future church leadership. Those concerns included the identity of the deacon, his effective incorporation into the pastoral ministries of dioceses and parishes, and the need for better screening and training. 41 The 1996 Study confirmed the success of the restoration of the diaconate in the United States of America in terms of the number of vocations and in its significant, almost indispensable service to parochial communities. However, the Study also substantiated the concerns raised by the bishops and provided guidance in addressing them. 42 12 In 1994, the committee organized a national conference for deacons. Its purpose was to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of their restoration in the Church in the United States of America. The first National Catholic Diaconate Conference was convened in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The theme of this conference was “ Diaconate: A Great and Visible Sign of the Work of the Holy Spirit .” In June 1997, participants gathered in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and there explored the theme “ The Deacon in a Diaconal Church: Minister of Justice and Charity .” A third conference was convened in June 2000 in the Diocese of Oakland; the theme of this Jubilee Year 2000 conference was “ The Deacon in the Third Millennium— New Evangelization .” 43 A conference was convened in July 2018 in the Archdiocese of New Orleans to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the restoration of the permanent diaconate in the United States. The theme of this conference was “Christ the Servant: Yesterday, Today, Forever.” 41 Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, “Summary Comments on the Permanent Diaconate,” Special Assembly of the NCCB, St. John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN (June 9-16, 1986), in Vocations and Future Church Leadership (Washington, DC: United States Catholic Conference, 1986). 42 NSD (1996), 13-16. 43 In 1994 Most Rev. Crescenzio Sepe, DD, Secretary of the Congregation for the Clergy, addressed the National Catholic Diaconate Conference on the background and preparations being made for the plenary assembly scheduled for November 1995. In 1997, Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos, Pro-Prefect of the Con gregation for the Clergy, spoke on “The Deacon in the Life and Mission of the Church,” providing insight on the Directory being prepared by the Congregation. In 2000, Most Rev. Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, addressed the role of the deacon in the Church’s mission of new evangelization. 40 NSD (1996).

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