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

82

80 In exceptional cases, the Holy See, having heard the opinion of the dea con’s diocesan bishop, may grant a dispensation for a new marriage 78 or for a release from the obligations of the clerical state. However, to ensure a mature decision in discerning God’s will, effective pastoral care should be provided to maintain that a proper and sufficient period of time has elapsed before either of these dispensations is sought. If a dispensation for a new marriage is petitioned and granted, the new wife’s written informed consent to his exercise of diaconal ministry should be sought before the marriage. Additional time will be required for the formation of a stable relationship in the new marriage; therefore, a suitable period of time is required before the deacon resumes active ministry. 81 A similar sensitivity also should be given to the widow of a deacon, because she shared so intimately in her husband’s life and ministerial witness. The diocesan bishop and her pastor, as well as the diaconal and parish communities, should extend appropriate and adequate support in her bereavement. Widows of deacons ought to remain connected with the diaconal community, not only because of support and encourage ment, but because of the unique bonds that had been forged by virtue of her husband’s ordination. A Deacon and Family Confronting Divorce 82 If a divorce between a deacon and his wife happens, suitable pastoral care should be offered to the deacon, his wife, and their children. This pastoral care, which may be facilitated by the Director of the Permanent Diaconate or any other qualified person on behalf of the diocesan bishop, should include ample time to work through the various stages of grieving and adjustment caused by divorce. The determination of the divorced deacon’s ministerial status will require sensitivity and prudence

78 DMLPD, note 193, citing Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Circu lar Letter, Prot. No. 263/97 (June 6, 1997), no. 8. See also Congregation for Divine Worship and the Dis cipline of the Sacraments, Letter, Prot. No. 1080/05 (July 13, 2005). Competency for such dispensations belongs to the Congregation for the Clergy. The Congregation will take into consideration only exceptional cases involving personal and diocesan necessity.

43