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

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National Directory for Permanent Deacons

essential distinction of roles and the clear independence of the ministry.” 12 Similarly, special initiatives in continuing formation should be arranged for deacons who are not married. Relationship with the Diocese 50 While assuming different forms of diaconal ministry, a deacon exercises his service in both a diocesan setting and in an individual assignment. Therefore, he may be given specific responsibility, if he meets the neces sary requirements, in an administrative position at a diocesan or paro chial level. 13 However, in discharging these administrative responsibili ties, “the deacon should recall that every action in the Church should be informed by charity and service to all. . . . Those deacons who are called to exercise such offices should be placed so as to discharge duties which are proper to the diaconate, in order to preserve the integrity of the diaconal ministry.” 14 51 Deacons who possess the necessary requirements, experience, and talent may be elected or appointed members of the diocesan pastoral council, finance council, or commissions. They may be assigned to diocesan pas toral work in specific social contexts: e.g., the pastoral care of the family or the pastoral needs of ethnic minorities. 15 They may also participate in a diocesan synod. 16 They may exercise the offices of chancellor, judge, assessor, auditor, promoter of justice, defender of the bond, and notary or may serve as the diocesan finance officer. 17 However, deacons do not “act as members of the council of priests, since this body exclusively rep resents the presbyterate.” 18 Deacons may not “be constituted judicial vic ars, adjunct judicial vicars, or vicars forane, since these offices are reserved for priests.” 19 Deacons are also not permitted to be appointed

12 DMLPD, no. 81. See also no. 60 regarding the needs of celibate deacons. 13 DMLPD, no. 41. 14 DMLPD, no. 42. 15 DMLPD, no. 42. 16 DMLPD, no. 42. See CIC, c. 463 §2. 17 DMLPD, nos. 38, 42. See CIC, cc. 482, 483, 494, 1421, 1425 §4, 1428, 1430, 1432. 18 DMLPD, no. 42. 19 DMLPD, no. 42.

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