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

30Chapter 2periodically to meet to discuss their ministry, exchange experiences,advance formation and encourage each other in fidelity.” 35Canonically, deacons may “form associations among themselves topromote their spiritual life, to carry out charitable and pious worksand pursue other objectives which are consonant with their sacramentalconsecration and mission.” 36 However, it must be noted thatassociations that form as pressure groups that could promote conflictwith the bishop are completely irreconcilable with the clericalstate. 37 It may be desirable, therefore, for the diocesan bishop toform a diocesan structure composed of a proportionate number ofdeacons to coordinate diaconal ministry and life within the diocese. 38The diocesan bishop would serve as its president and approve itsstatutes. 39 Finally, the diaconal community should be, for those in theaspirant and candidate paths in formation, “a precious support in thediscernment of their vocation, in human growth, in the initiation tothe spiritual life, in theological study and pastoral experience.” 40Deacons and religious:Collaborators in ministryFoster the missionof the faithfulThe Church: Acommunion of serviceRelationship with Women and Men Religious55. Deacons ought to promote collaboration between themselvesand women and men religious who also have dedicated their lives tothe service of the Church. Pastoral sensitivity between deacons andreligious should be carefully nurtured. Opportunities for dialogueamong deacons and religious could serve the Church well in developingand maintaining mutual understanding and support of eachother’s unique vocation, each of which accomplishes in its own waythe common mission of service to the Church.Relationship with the Laity56. By ordination, deacons are members of the clergy. 41 The vastmajority of deacons in the United States, married or celibate, havesecular employment and do not engage exclusively in specificchurch-related ministries. This combination of an ordained ministerwith a secular occupation and personal and family obligations canbe a great strength, opportunity, and witness to the laity on howthey too might integrate their baptismal call and state in life in livingtheir Christian faith in society. 4257. The laity, as members of the Church, have an obligation andright to share in the communion and mission of the Church.Through his ordination to service, the deacon promotes, in an