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

Post-Ordination Path in Diaconal Formation119mission is still only beginning and that we must commit ourselveswholeheartedly to its service.” 28 To this end, the ministry of the deaconholds great promise, especially for the urgent missionary andpastoral work of the new evangelization. The post-ordination pathin diaconal formation should give priority to this task. Pope JohnPaul II stresses this urgency: “Heralds of the Gospel are needed whoare experts in humanity, profoundly knowing the heart of contemporaryman, who share his hopes and joys, his fears and sorrow and,at the same time, who are contemplatives in love with God.” 29IV. Diocesan Organization forPost-Ordination Path FormationA Diocesan Post-Ordination Program253. With the approval of the diocesan bishop, a program for theongoing formation of deacons should be designed annually. It musttake into consideration the demands made upon the deacons bytheir pastoral ministry, distances to be traveled, the frequency ofgatherings, their time commitments to their families and secularemployment, as well as the differing ages and needs of the deacons.In some places, regional or interdiocesan collaboration should begiven serious consideration. 30 The use of distance-learning modulesalso should be explored, especially when travel is a hardship. 31Diocesan Policy254. Each diocesan Church is to establish a basic minimum ofcontinuing education hours to be fulfilled on an annual basis by alldiocesan deacons in active service. 32 This would be in addition totime allocated for the annual diaconal community retreat.Models for Post-Ordination Formation255. At times, the post-ordination path in diaconal formation maybe accomplished in common with priests, religious, and laity of thediocese to enhance collaborative ministerial formation in the diocese.This would use the resources of the diocese in a prudent manner.33 However, sensitivity to the timing of such events is important,especially for deacons who are engaged in secular employment. Onother occasions, ongoing formation programs should be specificallydesigned for deacons and particularly address the threefold ministryof word, liturgy, and charity.