National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent ...

Candidate Path in Diaconal Formation107themes of justice and peace that root and foster Catholic socialteaching. (124)7. From dogmatic theology, the core studies should include fundamentaltheology, God as trinity, christology, creation and thenature of sin, redemption, grace and the human person, ecclesiology(both the Latin and Eastern Catholic Churches), ecumenismand interreligious dialogue, sacraments (especially theSacrament of Holy Orders and the theology and the relationshipof the diaconate to the episcopate, the presbyterate, andthe laity), eschatology, Mariology, missiology, and Catholicevangelization. (124)8. From moral theology, the core studies should include fundamentalmoral theology, medical-moral ethics, sexuality, andsocial-ministerial ethics. The social teaching of the Churchshould be presented substantially. (124)9. From historical studies, the candidate should be introduced tothe history of the Church through the ages with an emphasis onpatristics. The candidates should be familiar with the multiculturalorigins of the Church in the United States. (124)10. From Canon Law, the core studies should include a generalintroduction and those canons specific to the exercise of thediaconate, in particular, marriage legislation, as well as the obligationsand rights of clerics. (124)11. From spirituality, the core studies should include an introductionto spirituality, to spiritual direction, and to a selection ofclassic spiritual writers. (124)12. From liturgy, the core studies should include an introduction toliturgy and to the historical, spiritual, and juridical aspects ofliturgy. (124)13. Practica for the ministry of liturgy should include specific trainingin the functions of the deacon during the Eucharist,Baptism, RCIA, marriage, the rites of Christian burial, andother liturgical ministries of the diaconate. (130)14. From homiletics, deacons should have courses specificallyaimed at preparing and delivering homilies. (130)15. Pastoral formation must include a wide diversity of pastoralservices, including opportunities for theological reflection.Attention should be given to the study of the role of culture inhuman and spiritual formation. (219)