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

NDPD

The Ministry and Life of Deacons

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47 The diocesan bishop also ensures that the “rights and duties as foreseen by canons 273-283 of the Code of Canon Law with regard to clerics in general and deacons in particular” are promoted. 8 48 The transition from the candidate stage of initial formation into an active diaconal ministry requires sensitivity. “Introducing the deacon to those in charge of the community (the parish priest, priests), and the community to the deacon, helps them not only to come to know each other but con tributes to a collaboration based on mutual respect and dialogue, in a spirit of faith and fraternal charity.” 9 Newly ordained deacons, therefore, are to be appointed to and supervised by a priest. This pastoral care of a newly ordained deacon, coordinated by the Director of the Permanent Diacon ate, 10 extends for the first five years after ordination, with a reminder that ongoing formation continues for the entire life of the deacon, until he passes from this life to the next. This time would include opportunities for ongoing formation, with an initial emphasis upon the issues and concerns voiced by the newly ordained as he gains ministerial experience. It is like wise a unique opportunity to assist the deacon’s family as it begins to adjust to its new situation within the community. 49 With the approval of the diocesan bishop, a realistic program for the con tinuing education and formation of each deacon and the entire diaconal community should be designed “taking due account of factors such as age and circumstances of deacons, together with the demands made on them by their pastoral ministry.” 11 The preparation, implementation, and evalu ation of this program are to be coordinated by the Director of the Perma nent Diaconate. “In addition to the [continuing] formation offered to [all] deacons, special courses and initiatives should be arranged for those dea cons who are married,” including the participation of their wives and fam ilies, “where opportune. . . . However, [care must be given] to maintain the

8 9

DMLPD, no. 7. DMLPD, no. 77.

10 11

Or other office designated by the diocesan bishop.

DMLPD, nos. 78-79.

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