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

NDPD 128

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

of theology, the future [deacon] . . . assents to the word of God, grows in his spiritual life and prepares himself to fulfill his pastoral ministry.” 30

Intellectual Dimension Objectives 128 Deacons must first understand and practice the essentials of Christian doctrine and life before they can communicate them to others in a clear way in their ministries of word, liturgy, and charity. Sacred Scripture is the soul of the program. Around it are structured the other branches of theology. Liturgical studies are to be given prominence, as the partici pants are prepared to lead the faith community in prayer and sacramen tal life. Preaching, with its preparation and practice, requires a signifi cant segment of time in the program of study. Attention should also be given to topics reflecting the specific needs of the Church in the United States of America: (a) a family life perspective; (b) respect for and under standing of our national multicultural diversity and the incorporation of the Gospel into all aspects of society; (c) the social dimension of the Gospel as taught by the Church, especially in the social encyclicals of the popes; (d) an understanding of issues of particular concern for the Church in the United States of America and significant documents of the USCCB; and (e) the study of the beliefs and practices of other reli gions and Christian denominations—deepening a spirit of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. Ample opportunities also need to be given for participants to study and practice missiology—learning how to evan gelize—so as to form deacons who will be actively present in society, offering true diaconal witness, entering into sincere dialogue with oth ers, and cooperating in charity to resolve common concerns. 31 129 The intellectual content should provide the participant with the knowl edge, skills, and appreciation of the faith that he needs to effectively fulfill his ministry of Word, Liturgy, and charity. It should, therefore, be authentic and complete. In spite of the diversity of subjects, the

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PDV, no. 51.

PDV, nos. 51-56.

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