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

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103 In accordance with diocesan policy, permanent deacons in full-time sec ular employment, as well as those in part-time ministries, are to be reim bursed for legitimate expenses incurred in their ministry. 111 Continuing Formation and Spiritual Retreat 104 Deacons are entitled to a period of time each year for continuing education and spiritual retreat. 112 Norms should be established in each diocese regarding the suitable length of time for these activities and the manner in which the deacon shall receive financial assistance for his expenses either from the dio cese, from the current place of ministerial service, or from a combination of sources. The responsibility for covering ongoing formation expenses should be treated similarly for all clerics in pastoral ministry in the diocese. Financial Assistance to Those in Formation 105 The diocesan bishop is to determine the financial assistance, if any, that is to be provided to inquirers, as well as to those enrolled in the aspirant stage of diaconal formation. For those admitted into the candidate stage of formation for the diaconate, some financial assistance, at least partial, should be provided for educational needs (e.g., tuition, books, tapes) and for mandatory aspects of formation (e.g., required retreats, work shops). Policies should be established and followed consistently in each diocese regarding the parties (for example, the diocese, the parish, and the candidate) who are responsible for formation expenses. Loss of Diaconal Status 106 A deacon can lose the clerical state by canonical dismissal or by a rescript granted by the Holy See. Deacons who lose the clerical state are no lon ger bound by the obligations arising from Holy Orders and do not enjoy the rights, offices, functions, and powers accorded clerics in the Church. 111 DMLPD, no. 20. Possible examples include videos for baptismal preparation programs, handouts, refresh ments for required gatherings, and distinctive clerical garb. It also could include reimbursement for the personal use of and gasoline for his car in ministry, using IRS mileage standards and records. Note that these are only examples; diocesan policies determine parameters and policies that address the particular reimbursements for deacons. 112 CIC, c. 276 §2 4°.

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