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

NDPD 111

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

6. The deacon must give priority to the spiritual life. As a minister of the liturgy, the deacon confirms his identity as servant of the Body of Christ. (68, 88) 7. The vocation to the permanent diaconate presupposes the stability and permanency of the order. Hence, the ordination of a permanent deacon to the priesthood is always a rare exception, and it must be done in consultation with the Congregation for the Clergy. (83) 8. Deacons have the faculty to preach everywhere, in accordance with the conditions established by canon law. (86) 9. Deacons are obliged to submit to their local ordinary for permis sion to publish any written materials concerning faith and morals. The permission of the local ordinary is required before writings are submitted to newspapers, magazines, or periodicals. Deacons are required to adhere to the norms established by the USCCB when participating in radio or television broadcasts, and to diocesan policies when participating in public media and the Internet. (87) 10. The minimum age for ordination to the permanent diaconate is thirty-five. The establishment of a maximum age of ordination is at the discretion of the diocesan bishop, keeping in mind both diocesan needs and expectations of diaconal life and ministry. (92) 11. In all forms of address for permanent deacons, the appropriate title is “Deacon.” (93) 12. The Code of Canon Law does not oblige permanent deacons to wear an ecclesiastical garb. Further, because they are more prominent and active in secular professions and society, the USCCB specifies that permanent deacons should resemble the lay faithful in dress and matters of lifestyle. Each diocesan bishop should, however, deter mine and promulgate any exceptions to this law, as well as specify the appropriate clerical attire. (94) 13. Permanent deacons are required to include as part of their daily prayer those parts of the Liturgy of the Hours known as Morning and Evening Prayer. (95)

54