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

X NDPD 138

Dimensions in the Formation of Deacons

spirit of pastoral responsibility and servant-leadership, generosity and per severance, ability to collaborate, creativity, respect for ecclesial communion, and filial obedience to the diocesan bishop. Through his participation in pas toral assignments, the participant should have a genuine confidence in his abilities and a realistic sense of his limitations. 137 Initial pastoral formation should take into account that those preparing for the diaconate have already been involved in the mission of the Church. The pastoral formation program should be designed, therefore, to build upon previous experiences and talents already displayed. In addition to identi fying and developing the gifts already at work, the pastoral dimension of formation should aim at helping the participant to discover talents, perhaps unrecognized, and to develop the skills necessary for exercising the threefold diaconal ministry. A participant needs to demonstrate a genuine confidence in his own ability—a realistic sense of achieving the knowledge and skills required for an effective diaconal ministry—and a strong desire to serve in a broad range of ministerial circumstances. 138 Pastoral formation interfaces with spiritual formation. It is a forma tion for an ever greater identification with the diakonia entrusted to the Church by Christ. Care is to be taken to introduce the participant actively into the pastoral life of the diocesan Church and to make a priority periodic meetings with the diocesan bishop, priests, other dea cons, religious, and laity serving in official ministry, so as to ensure a coordinated unity for different pastoral activities. 43 Supervised pastoral formation placements should be designed and adapted to the needs of the individual participant, helping him to gradually and appropriately experience in his pastoral placement what he has learned in his study. 44 He should also be given ample opportunities to share experiences with deacons already in ministry.

43 44

DMLPD, no. 78. BNFPD, no. 87.

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