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

X NDPD 127

Dimensions in the Formation of Deacons

participant to discern and affirm the signs of his vocation. 26 An individual’s spiritual director may be chosen directly by the participant, with the approval of the diocesan bishop, or from a list of spiritual direc tors similarly approved. The distinction between internal and external forums must always be clearly maintained. A participant may also con sult (or be requested to do so) with an advisor whom he may select with the approval of the director of formation. The advisor, however, does not substitute for the unique role of the spiritual director in initial formation and discernment. 27 126 Participants should also be able to lead and engage others in prayer. This ministry of prayer with others is one of the most common activities of deacons as they visit homes, hospitals, prisons, engage in marriage preparation, and so on. Intellectual Dimension 127 Intellectual formation offers the participant “substantial nourishment” for the pastoral, human, and spiritual dimensions of his life. Intellectual formation is a “precious instrument” for effective discernment and min istry. 28 An increasingly educated society and the new roles of leadership in diaconal ministry require that a deacon be a knowledgeable and reliable witness to the faith and a spokesman for the Church’s teaching. There fore, the intellectual dimension of formation must be designed to com municate a knowledge of the faith and Church Tradition that is “com plete and serious,” so that each participant will be prepared to carry out his vital ministry. 29 “The commitment to study, which takes up no small part of the time of those preparing for the [diaconate] . . . is not in fact an external and secondary dimension of their human, Christian, spiri tual and vocational growth. In reality, through study, especially the study

26 27 28 29

BNFPD, nos. 1, 2.

BNFPD, nos. 70, 76. See PDV, no. 66.

BNFPD, no. 79. BNFPD, no. 79.

63