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

Dimensions in the Formation of Deacons53109. Human formation aims to enhance the personality of the ministerin such a way that he becomes “a bridge and not an obstacle forothers in their meeting with Jesus Christ.” 10 Accordingly, formationprocesses need to be structured so as to nurture and encourage theparticipants “to acquire and perfect a series of human qualitieswhich will permit them to enjoy the trust of the community, to committhemselves with serenity to the pastoral ministry, to facilitateencounter and dialogue.” 11 Therefore, all of these various aspects ofhuman maturity must be carefully considered when planning theformation program and when assessing a participant’s effective integrationof them. If warranted, a participant may also consult (or beasked to do so) with a qualified professional, approved by the directorof formation, to assist in this assessment.Spiritual Dimension110. “Human formation leads to and finds its completion in thespiritual dimension of formation, which constitutes the heart andunifying center of every Christian formation. Its aim is to tend to thedevelopment of the new life received in Baptism.” 12 Many directionslead to this goal, all of them fundamentally the work of the HolySpirit. The spiritual life is, therefore, dynamic and never static. Thefirst goal of spiritual formation is the establishment and nourishmentof attitudes, habits, and practices that will set the foundationfor a lifetime of ongoing spiritual discipline.111. A man should not be admitted to diaconal formation unlessit is demonstrated that he is already living a life of mature Christianspirituality. 13 The spiritual dimension of formation should “affirmand strengthen” this spirituality, and it should emphasize “specifictraits of diaconal spirituality.” 14Human formationaims to enhancethe personalityof the ministerSpiritual foundationsfor discipleshipand ministryA mature spiritualityin imitation of Jesus112. Configured sacramentally to Christ the Servant, a deacon’sspirituality must be grounded in the attitudes of Christ. Theseinclude “simplicity of heart, total giving of self and disinterest forself, humble and helpful love for the brothers and sisters, especiallythe poorest, the suffering and the most needy, the choice of alifestyle of sharing and poverty.” 15 This diaconal spirituality is nourishedby the Eucharist, which, “not by chance, characterizes theministry of the deacon.” 16 A diaconal spirituality is conditioned byparticipation in the apostolic ministry and should be marked by