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

The Ministry and Life of Deacons45nomination or an appointment to public office, without theprior written permission of the diocesan bishop. A permanentdeacon may not actively and publicly participate in another’spolitical campaign without the prior written permission of thediocesan bishop. (91)15. The deacon shall receive an official letter of appointment fromhis bishop. (44, 45, 93)16. Until the decree of appointment is publicly announced by thebishop’s office, all parties are bound to confidentiality. (44)17. Every permanent deacon is obliged to satisfy the legal requirementsof Social Security benefits or a comparable program. (95)18. Deacons in full-time employment by the diocese or parish areto receive remuneration commensurate with the salaries andbenefits provided to the lay men or women on staff for that particularoccupation. (96)19. Deacons in full-time secular employment, as well as those inpart-time ministries, are to be reimbursed for legitimate expensesincurred in their ministry. (96)20. For those admitted into the candidate path in formation, someprovision for financial assistance should be provided for educationalneeds and mandatory aspects of formation. (98)21. The diocesan bishop should provide for insurance regarding theliability of the diocese for actions taken by a permanent deaconin the course of his public official ministry. The same policies thatgovern liability for priests in the diocese should be applicable topermanent deacons. (101)22. Norms should be established in each diocese regarding the age,health, and other matters that need to be considered regardinga deacon’s resignation from a ministerial office or his retirementfrom ministerial duties. (103)