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

56Chapter 3The commitment to study, which takes up no small part of thetime of those preparing for the [diaconate], is not in fact anexternal and secondary dimension of their human, Christian,spiritual and vocational growth. In reality, through study, especiallythe study of theology, the future [deacon] assents to theWord of God, grows in his spiritual life and prepares himself tofulfill his pastoral ministry. 27Goals of theintellectual dimensionThe intellectualcontent should beoriented toward apastoral contextOBJECTIVES119. Deacons must first understand and practice the essentials ofChristian doctrine and life before they can communicate them toothers in a clear way in their ministries of word, liturgy, and charity.Sacred Scripture is the soul of the program. Around it are structuredthe other branches of theology. Liturgical studies are to be givenprominence, as the participants are prepared to lead the faith communityin prayer and sacramental life. Preaching, with its preparationand practice, requires a significant segment of time in the programof study. Attention should also be given to topics reflecting thespecific needs of the Church in the United States: (1) a family lifeperspective; (2) respect for and understanding of our national multiculturaldiversity and the incorporation of the Gospel into allaspects of society; (3) the social dimension of the Gospel as taughtby the Church, especially in the social encyclicals of the Popes, andthe significant documents promulgated by the United StatesConference of Catholic Bishops, with special reference to concernssurrounding immigration as experienced within the Church inAmerica; 28 (4) the study of the beliefs and practices of other religionsand Christian denominations—deepening a spirit of ecumenismand interreligious dialogue. Ample opportunities also needto be given to the study and practice of missiology—learning how toevangelize—so as to form deacons who will be actively present insociety, offering true diaconal witness, entering into sincere dialoguewith others, and cooperating in charity and justice to resolve commonconcerns. 29120. The intellectual content should be organized, presented, anddirected fundamentally to prepare participants for the pastoral contextof service. 30 It should provide the participant with the knowledge,skills, and appreciation of the faith that he needs to effectivelyfulfill his ministry of word, liturgy, and charity. It should, therefore,