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

NDPD 97

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

Temporary Absence from an Assignment 97 Deacons may temporarily absent themselves from their place of assign ment only with the permission of their proper pastor and/or supervisor. Absences of more than thirty days’ duration must be approved by the proper local ordinary. 106 Letter of Appointment 98 A deacon shall receive a letter of appointment from his diocesan bishop, which includes the designation of his immediate pastor and/or supervisor. Support of the Clergy 100 Permanent deacons are to take care of their own and their family’s finan cial needs (e.g., housing, health insurance, retirement) using income derived from their full-time employment by the diocese, parish, or secular profession. 108 In an individual situation of need, the diocesan Church is to see that the deacon and his family do not lack the basic necessities of life. Social Security Insurance 101 To provide for their own upkeep, every permanent deacon should satisfy the legal requirements for Social Security benefits or a comparable program. 109 Remuneration 102 Permanent deacons in full-time employment by the diocese, parish, or agency are to receive remuneration commensurate with the sala ries and benefits provided to the lay men and women on staff for that particular occupation. 110 99 The diocesan bishop may assign a deacon to assist a pastor entrusted with the pastoral care of one or several parishes. 107

106 See CIC, c. 283 §1. 107 DMLPD, no. 41. See also no. 40. 108 CIC, c. 281 §3. 109 DMLPD, no. 15; see CIC, cc. 281, 1274. 110 DMLPD, no. 16.

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