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

X NDPD 115

Dimensions in the Formation of Deacons

Human Dimension Objectives 115 Deacons have an important role to support the role of the laity in the field of human development. The glory of the lay person is the trans formation of culture. “Since the laity, in accordance with their state of life, live in the midst of the world and its concerns, they are called by God to exercise their apostolate in the world like leaven, with the ardor of the spirit of Christ.” 4 In catechizing, preaching, and counseling the deacon motivates, facilitates, and animates the laity in their aposto late in the world. In proclaiming God’s Word, the deacon evangelizes the believer and unbeliever alike. And “as a minister at the altar . . . [he will] give the Lord’s body and blood to the community of believ ers.” 5 The deacon collaborates with the diocesan bishop in the latter’s responsibility for catechesis in the local Church. 6 The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, in its Guide for Catechists , offers the following attributes for catechists that apply equally to deacons: a. “in the purely human sphere : psychophysical equilibrium—good health, a sense of responsibility, honesty, dynamism; good profes sional and family conduct, a spirit of sacrifice, strength, perseverance” b. “with a view to the functions of a . . . [deacon] : good human rela tions, ability to dialogue with those of other religions, grasp of one’s own culture, ability to communicate, willingness to work with oth ers, leadership qualities, balanced judgment, openness of mind, a sense of realism, a capacity to transmit consolation and hope” c. “with a view to particular situations or roles : aptitudes for work ing in the fields of peacemaking, development, socio-cultural pro motion, justice, health care” 7 4 Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People ( Apostolicam Actuositatem ) (November 18, 1965), no. 2, www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree _19651118_apostolicam-actuositatem_en.html. 5 “Ordination of a Deacon,” chap. 2 of Ordination of Deacons, Priests, and Bishops , in The Rites of the Catholic Church , vol. 2 (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1991), no. 14. 6 GDC, nos. 222-223. 7 Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Guide for Catechists (December 3, 1993) (Washington, DC: United States Catholic Conference, 1993), no. 21, emphasis original.

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