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

NDPD 107

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

Withdrawal of Diaconal Faculties 107 If the ministry of a permanent deacon becomes ineffective or even harm ful due to some personal difficulties or irresponsible behavior, his min isterial assignment and/or faculties are to be withdrawn by the diocesan bishop in accord with canon law. Diocesan Liability 108 The diocesan bishop must provide for insurance regarding the liability of the diocese for actions taken by a permanent deacon in the course of his public official ministry. The same policies that govern liability for priests in the diocese are to be applicable to permanent deacons. 109 A diocesan bishop is under no obligation to accept a permanent deacon—ordained or incardinated elsewhere—for assignment to a dioce san or parochial ministry. Nevertheless, because a permanent deacon is an ordained cleric, the diocesan bishop may not ordinarily forbid a visiting permanent deacon the exercise of his order, provided that the deacon is in good standing and with due regard for the provisions of particular law. Bi-Ritual Permanent Deacons 110 When a permanent deacon of an Eastern Catholic Church sui iuris is granted bi-ritual faculties to assist in the Latin Church, he may witness marriages with the proper delegation. If one of the parties to be married, however, is ascribed to an Eastern Catholic Church sui iuris , for validity only a properly delegated priest may solemnize the marriage by giving the priestly blessing. When a permanent deacon of the Latin Church is granted bi-ritual faculties to assist in an Eastern Catholic Church sui iuris , his exercise of the granted faculties is to be in accord with the pre scriptions of the respective Eastern Catholic Church sui iuris. Service of a Deacon from Another Diocesan Church

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