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

NDPD 87

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

to the problems of our time . . . [deacons] collaborate with the bishop and the priests in the exercise of a ministry which is not of their wisdom but of the Word of God, calling all to conversion and holiness.” 88 87 Deacons are obliged to submit to their local ordinary for permission to publish any written materials concerning faith and morals. 89 The per mission of the local ordinary is required before writings are submitted to newspapers, magazines, or periodicals. 90 Deacons are required to adhere to the norms established by the USCCB when participating in radio or television broadcasts and must adhere to diocesan policies when partici pating in public media and in discourse on the Internet. 91 The Church’s Ministry of Liturgy 88 As an ordained participant in the Church’s ministry of Liturgy, the dea con confirms his identity as servant of the Body of Christ. In the cele bration of the sacraments, whether he serves as a presider or assists the presider, “let him remember that, when lived with faith and reverence, these actions of the Church contribute much to growth in the spiritual life and to the increase of the Christian community.” 92 89 Deacons, in communion with the diocesan bishop and priests, serve in the sanctification of the Christian community. “In the Eucharistic Sacrifice, the deacon does not celebrate the mystery: rather, he effectively represents on the one hand, the people of God and, specifically, helps them to unite their lives to the offering of Christ; while on the other, in the name of Christ himself, he helps the Church to participate in the fruits of that sacrifice.” 93 While exercising his liturgical ministries, “the

88 89 90

DMLPD, no. 23. DMLPD, no. 26. See CIC, c. 831 §1.

91 DMLPD, no. 26. See CIC, c. 772 §2; and complementary legislation from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Canon 772, §2—Radio or TV Talks on Christian Doctrine,” www.usccb.org/beliefs and-teachings/what-we-believe/canon-law/complementary-norms/canon-772-2-norm-for-giving-radio or-tv-talks-on-christian-doctrine. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ complementary norms apply only to talks given on radio or television. 92 DMLPD, no. 53. 93 DMLPD, no. 28.

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