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

Dimensions in the Formation of Deacons57be authentic and complete. In spite of the diversity of subjects, theintellectual dimension should offer an overall vision of faith thatbrings unity and harmony to the educational process. 31 The theologicalformation of the participants needs to be presented as originatingfrom within the Church’s life of faith, worship, and pastoral care. 32In this way, intellectual formation will be perceived as crucial to thedeacon’s responsible exercise of his ministry.121. The intellectual dimension should also be constructed tohelp the participant “to evaluate his society and culture in light ofthe Gospel and to understand the Gospel in the light of the particularfeatures of the society and culture in which he will be serving.” 33Of equal importance is the discernment and understanding of whatis shared in common, as well as the cultural and ethnic expressionsof the faith.122. Since participants enter formation as mature men, the intellectualdimension of formation “should make use of the methods andprocesses of adult education. . . . [The participants] should be invitedto draw and reflect upon their adult life and faith experiences.” 34123. Theology is traditionally described as “faith seeking understanding.”Therefore, the formation faculty and staff should structurean intellectual process that includes an invitation to each participantto reflect on his adult life and experience in the light of theGospel and the Church’s teaching. The intellectual dimension ineach path in the formation program should be designed and presentedin such a way as to integrate doctrine, morality, and spirituality.124. The following criteria focus the preparation and presentationof a systematic, comprehensive, and integrated intellectual formation,faithful to the Magisterium of the Church. Based on Scriptureand Tradition, the documents of the Second Vatican Council, theCatechism of the Catholic Church, and the General Directory forCatechesis, 35 this formation must take into account the followingtheological content:Cultural analysisAdult educationalmethodologyIntegration oflearning and lifeAcademic content