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

35 NDPD

Doctrinal Understanding of the Diaconate

formation of candidates and families preparing for the reception of the sacraments; leadership roles in retreats, evangelization, and renewal pro grams; outreach to alienated Catholics; and counseling and spiritual direction, to the extent that he is properly trained. 29 The deacon also strives to “transmit the word in [his] professional [life] either explic itly or merely by [his] active presence in places where public opinion is formed and ethical norms are applied.” 30 34 In these and many other formal and informal ways, the deacon leads the community to reflect on its communion and mission in Jesus Christ, especially impelling the community of believers to live lives of service. Because the deacon sacramentalizes service, he should proclaim the Word in such a way that he first witnesses to its empowerment in his own life. By his own faithful practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, the deacon “by word and example . . . should work so that all the faithful, in imitation of Christ, may place themselves at the constant service of their brothers and sisters.” 31 In so doing, the deacon can effectively challenge others to live out their baptismal vocation and the consequences of their participation in the Eucharist.

VI. THE CHURCH’S MINISTRY OF LITURGY: THE DEACON AS SANCTIFIER

35 For the deacon, as for all members of the Church, the liturgy is “the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the fount from which all the Church’s power flows.” 32 For the Church gathered at worship, moreover, the ministry of the deacon is a visible, grace-filled sign of the integral connection between sharing at the Lord’s eucharistic table and serving the many hungers felt so keenly

29 See BNFPD, no. 86. To offer psychological counseling, the deacon must receive training in accord with professional standards. 30 DMLPD, no. 26. 31 DMLPD, no. 38. 32 SC, no. 10.

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