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

114 Chapter 7“Do not neglectthe gift youhave [received].”240. The post-ordination path in formation is motivated by thesame dynamism as the holy order received:Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on youthrough the prophetic word with the imposition of hands. . . .Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that yourprogress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and toyour teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you willsave both yourself and those who listen to you. 5II. The Dimensions of Formation in thePost-Ordination Path241. The post-ordination path should provide the deacon withample opportunities to continue to develop and integrate thedimensions of formation into his life and ministry. 6 In this way, thequality of his life and ministry will be ensured, avoiding the risk ofministerial burnout. In certain cases of difficulty, such as discouragementor a change in ministry, post-ordination formation can entaila process of renewal and revitalization.Two distinct levelsof formationWife and familyongoing formation242. In designing the content for an ongoing formation program,those responsible “should take into consideration two distinct butclosely related levels of formation: the diocesan level, in referenceto the bishop. . . . and the community level in which the deaconexercises his own ministry, in reference to the parish priest.” 7 Thedeacon is ordained for service to the diocesan Church, even thoughthe focus of that service will usually be within a particular parochialcommunity. Keeping a balance in this dual relationship is essentialto his effectiveness as a deacon.243. Just as the role of the wife and children needed to be carefullydiscerned throughout the aspirant and candidate paths in formation,this discernment is equally important in the post-ordinationpath. It is appropriate to recognize the importance of the ongoingformation of the wives and families of deacons and to provide formationresources and opportunities for them. A family life perspectiveremains an essential point of reference. Care must, however, beexercised so that “the essential distinction of roles and the clearindependence of the ministry” are maintained. 8