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

NDPD 120

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

spirituality. 16 Such maturity is evidenced by a habit of prayer, especially praying with Scripture, a strong habit of attending Mass that goes beyond the fulfillment of the obligation, 17 and a commitment to ongoing spiri tual reading. A love of the Word of God is crucial for anyone who con siders himself called to proclaim the Gospel at Mass and other liturgies. The spiritual dimension of formation should “affirm and strengthen” this spirituality, and it should emphasize “specific traits of diaconal spir ituality.” 18 These specific traits are directly related to the deacon’s being a servant after the example of Christ. As an ordained minister living in the world, the deacon’s spirituality is tied to his activity in the world, bring ing others to Christ and his Church. 120 Configured sacramentally to Christ the Servant, a deacon’s spirituality must be grounded in the attitudes of Christ. These include “simplicity of heart, total giving of self and disinterest for self, humble and helpful love for the brothers and sisters, especially the poorest, the suffering and the most needy, the choice of a lifestyle of sharing and poverty.” 19 This diaco nal spirituality is nourished by the Eucharist, which, “not by chance, characterizes the ministry of the deacon.” 20 A diaconal spirituality is conditioned by participation in the apostolic ministry and should be marked by openness to God’s Word, to the Church, and to the world. 21 The fundamental spiritual attitude should be one of openness to this Word contained in Revelation, as preached by the Church, celebrated in the Liturgy, and lived out in the lives of God’s People. In these ways, with the assistance of a spiritual director, a man takes on the heart and mind of a deacon. Being configured to Christ the Servant (Lk 10:29 ff.; 14:15-23; 17:7-10; 22:27), each participant begins to think and choose and discern anew. It is Christ the Servant who is now the compelling 17 These demonstrations of maturity presuppose that he is already meeting his obligations to attend weekly Sunday Mass and all Holy Days of Obligation. “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass.” CIC, c. 1247. 18 BNFPD, no. 71. 19 BNFPD, no. 72. 20 BNFPD, no. 73. 21 PDV, nos. 47-49. 16 BNFPD, nos. 32-33.

60