National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent ...
National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent ...
National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent ...
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34Chapter 2Family life, work,<strong>and</strong> ministryWitness to <strong>the</strong>sanctity <strong>of</strong> marriageCelibacy: Consecrationto Christ with anundivided heart67. “In particular <strong>the</strong> deacon <strong>and</strong> his wife must be a living example<strong>of</strong> fidelity <strong>and</strong> indissolubility in Christian marriage be<strong>for</strong>e a worldwhich is in dire need <strong>of</strong> such signs. By facing in a spirit <strong>of</strong> faith <strong>the</strong>challenges <strong>of</strong> married life <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> daily living, <strong>the</strong>ystreng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> family life not only <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church community but <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> whole <strong>of</strong> society. They also show how <strong>the</strong> obligations <strong>of</strong> family life,work <strong>and</strong> ministry can be harmonized in <strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church’smission. Deacons <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir wives <strong>and</strong> children can be a great encouragementto o<strong>the</strong>rs who are working to promote family life.” 6468. A married deacon, with his wife <strong>and</strong> family, gives witness to<strong>the</strong> sanctity <strong>of</strong> marriage. The more <strong>the</strong>y grow in mutual love, con<strong>for</strong>ming<strong>the</strong>ir lives to <strong>the</strong> Church’s teaching on marriage <strong>and</strong> sexuality,<strong>the</strong> more <strong>the</strong>y give to <strong>the</strong> Christian community a model <strong>of</strong>Christ-like love, compassion, <strong>and</strong> self-sacrifice. The married deaconmust always remember that through his sacramental participation inboth vocational sacraments, first in Matrimony <strong>and</strong> again in HolyOrders, he is challenged to be faithful to both. With integrity hemust live out both sacraments in harmony <strong>and</strong> balance. The wife <strong>of</strong>a deacon should be included with her husb<strong>and</strong>, when appropriate,in diocesan clergy <strong>and</strong> parochial staff ga<strong>the</strong>rings. A deacon <strong>and</strong> hiswife, both as a spiritual man <strong>and</strong> woman <strong>and</strong> as a couple, have muchto share with <strong>the</strong> bishop <strong>and</strong> his priests about <strong>the</strong> Sacrament <strong>of</strong>Matrimony. A diaconal family also brings a unique presence <strong>and</strong>underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> domestic family. “By facing in a spirit <strong>of</strong> faith<strong>the</strong> challenges <strong>of</strong> married life <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> daily living, [<strong>the</strong>married deacon <strong>and</strong> his family] streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> family life not only <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Church community but <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> whole <strong>of</strong> society.” 65The Celibate Deacon69. The Church acknowledges <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> celibacy that God grantsto certain <strong>of</strong> its members who wholeheartedly live it “according to itstrue nature <strong>and</strong> according to its real purposes, that is <strong>for</strong> evangelical,spiritual <strong>and</strong> pastoral motives.” 66 The essential meaning <strong>of</strong> celibacy isgrounded in Jesus’ preaching <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> kingdom <strong>of</strong> God. Its deepestsource is love <strong>of</strong> Christ <strong>and</strong> dedication to his mission. “In celibate life,indeed, love becomes a sign <strong>of</strong> total <strong>and</strong> undivided consecration toChrist <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> greater freedom to serve God <strong>and</strong> man. The choice <strong>of</strong>celibacy is not an expression <strong>of</strong> contempt <strong>for</strong> marriage nor <strong>of</strong> flightfrom reality but a special way <strong>of</strong> serving man <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.” 67
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