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

59

deanery meetings, continuing education study days, and mutual work on diocesan councils and commissions, as well as regularly scheduled occasions for socialization. Further, the Church’s communion and mis sion “is realized not only by the ministers in virtue of the Sacrament of Orders but also by all the lay faithful.” 30 Therefore, the bishop, priests, and deacons need to welcome, inspire, and form the lay faithful to par ticipate in the communion and mission of the Church “because of their Baptismal state and their specific vocation.” 31 58 Priests are to be aware of the sacramental identity of the deacon, the nature of diaconal spirituality and the specific functions the deacons will perform within the diocesan Church. 32 Priests need to collaborate with the diocesan bishop in planning for the inclusion of deacons within the life and ministry of the diocesan Church. Pastors especially are involved in the presentation, selection, and assessment processes for aspirants and candidates. Priests des ignated by the diocesan bishop serve as spiritual directors and pastoral super visors. Priests are expected to catechize the people on the ordained vocation of the deacon and to actively seek out, with the assistance of the parish com munity, competent nominees for this ministry. 33 Relationship Among Deacons and Those in Formation 59 By virtue of their ordination, a sacramental fraternity unites deacons. They form a community that witnesses to Christ the Deacon-Servant. “Each deacon should have a sense of being joined with his fellow deacons in a bond of charity, prayer, obedience to their bishops, ministerial zeal and collaboration.” 34 Therefore, “with the permission of the bishop . . . it would be opportune for deacons periodically to meet to discuss their ministry, exchange experiences, advance formation and encourage each 30 St. John Paul II, On the Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World ( Chris tifideles Laici ) (Washington, DC: United States Catholic Conference, 1988), no. 23. 31 St. John Paul II, Christifideles Laici , no. 23. 32 “Ordinaries . . . to whom the present document is given, [should] ensure that it becomes an object of attentive reflection in communion with their priests and communities.” BNFPD, no. 90. 33 BNFPD, no. 16. 34 DMLPD, no. 6.

33