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

CHAPTER THREEDIMENSIONS IN THEFORMATION OF DEACONSI. Introduction104. There are three separate but integral paths that constitute aunified diocesan formation program for deacons: aspirant, candidate,and post-ordination. Although this Directory addresses eachpath separately, they nevertheless become “one sole organic journey”in diaconal formation. 1 In each path, the four dimensions orspecific areas in formation—human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral—arealways essential. 2Separate paths: A unifiedformation programII. Dimensions in Formation105. One who will serve as a deacon requires a formation that promotesthe development of the whole person. Therefore, the fourdimensions in formation should be so interrelated as to achieve acontinual integration of their objectives in the life of each participantand in his exercise of ministry.Human Dimension106. A participant comes to formation with a history of interrelationshipswith other people. Formation for ministry begins withhuman formation and development. Participants “should thereforecultivate a series of human qualities, not only out of proper and duegrowth and realization of self, but also with a view to the ministry.” 3Four dimensions inministerial formationGrowth inself-formationOBJECTIVES107. Deacons have an important role in the field of human developmentand the promotion of justice. Because of their close livingand working situations in society, they can well understand, interpret,and try to bring solutions to personal and social problems inthe light of the Gospel. Therefore, deacons need to be close to thepeople, helping them to understand the realities of social life so theycan try to improve it. Deacons should have the courage to speak outCultivate qualitieswith a view todiaconal ministry