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

10 Preface36 These concerns centered upon an incorrect understanding of the role of the deacon in thehierarchical structure of the Church, of the doctrine on ministries, on the role of the laityand the role of women, as well as concerns regarding selection, adequate intellectual formation,and proper pastoral ministries for deacons. Cf. Most Rev. Crescenzio Sepe, op. cit.37 PDO.38 BNFPD and DMLPD, Introduction, no. 2; cf. BNFPD, no. 14.39 BNFPD, no. 90; DMLPD, no. 82. Additional Vatican documents relevant to the formationand ministry of deacons include the following: (1) Guide for Catechists (1993), promulgatedby the Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples, which proposes educational and formationalmodels. As required by the Congregation for Catholic Education in BNFPD, diaconalformation is to encompass more than catechist formation and is to be more analogousto the formation of priests. Guide for Catechists provides universal norms for catechistformation. (2) The General Directory for Catechesis (1997), from the Congregation for theClergy, provides insightful criteria in proposing appropriate adult education methodologiesand for establishing perimeters for an authentic and complete theological study. TheInstruction on Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful inthe Sacred Ministry of Priests (1997), signed by the heads of eight dicasteries of the Holy See,establishes norms for appropriate collaboration between the ordained ministers of theChurch and the non-ordained faithful. (3) In 1997, the Congregation for Divine Worshipand the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a Circular Letter to diocesan bishops and religiousordinaries establishing criteria on the suitability of candidates to be admitted tosacred orders and further directing the establishment of a diocesan board to oversee thescrutinies of candidates before the reception of the rite of candidacy, the ministry of lector,the ministry of acolyte, and ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. [The text abbreviationin this document is CL.] This document is essential in the formulation of admissionand selection policies for diaconal candidates. (4) The Pontifical Council forPromoting Christian Unity issued a supplementary document to its Directory for theApplication of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism (1993), namely, The Ecumenical Dimensionin the Formation of Those Engaged in Pastoral Work (1997). This document specifies that anecumenical dimension is to be included in diaconal formation and ministry. (5) Theencyclical letter On the Relationship Between Faith and Reason (1998), promulgated by PopeJohn Paul II, establishes academic parameters to be included in the intellectual and humandimensions of diaconal formation. (6) The post-synodal apostolic exhortation The Churchin America (1999), promulgated by Pope John Paul II, addresses the new evangelization inthe Church in America and makes reference to the role of the deacon in that ministry.40 Bishops’ Committee on the Diaconate, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Protocolfor the Incardination/Excardination of Deacons (1995) and Policy Statement: Self-StudyInstrument and Consultation Team Procedures (1995).41 NSD (1996).42 Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, “Summary Comments on the Permanent Diaconate,” Special