National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent ...
National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent ...
National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent ...
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62 Chapter 3Theological reflection133. Pastoral <strong>for</strong>mation must include <strong>the</strong>ological reflection so <strong>the</strong>participant may integrate his ministerial activity with <strong>the</strong> broadscope <strong>of</strong> diaconal studies. This process should lead him to a lifelongef<strong>for</strong>t in reflecting on his ministry in <strong>the</strong> light <strong>of</strong> faith.III. Additional ConsiderationsTopics <strong>of</strong> value in<strong>the</strong> United StatesA family-centered<strong>for</strong>mationThe family is <strong>the</strong>primary <strong>for</strong>mationcommunityFamily life requiresa proper balance134. Attention should be given to <strong>the</strong> following topics which representa value central to <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catholic Church in <strong>the</strong>United States <strong>and</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re<strong>for</strong>e, in <strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>mation, ministry, <strong>and</strong> life <strong>of</strong>c<strong>and</strong>idates <strong>and</strong> deacons.A Family <strong>Life</strong> PerspectiveINTRODUCTION135. A family life perspective is rooted in <strong>the</strong> challenge <strong>of</strong> PopeJohn Paul II as stated in Familiaris Consortio: “No plan <strong>for</strong> organizedpastoral work at any level must ever fail to take into consideration<strong>the</strong> pastoral area <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> family.” 47 Refocusing one’s thinking from anindividual-centered approach to a family-centered approach nowrepresents an important component in organizing diaconal <strong>for</strong>mation,ministry, <strong>and</strong> life. 48136. Individuals do not enter into <strong>for</strong>mation alone. Those whoparticipate in diaconal <strong>for</strong>mation, married or unmarried, come with<strong>the</strong>ir families. They come as members <strong>of</strong> a family known as <strong>the</strong>“domestic Church” where life is shared <strong>and</strong> nurtured. They comefrom that primary community, where God is first discovered <strong>and</strong>known, into a new <strong>and</strong> wider community that can exp<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir love<strong>and</strong> deepen <strong>the</strong>ir faith. They come with <strong>the</strong>ir experiences <strong>of</strong> faith<strong>and</strong> personal life.137. Each participant must explore ways to keep his family life apriority in <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> growing dem<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>for</strong>mation <strong>and</strong> ministry,which include issues <strong>of</strong> age, faith, health, economics, employment,<strong>and</strong> relationships.The role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wifeTHE MARRIED PARTICIPANT138. In deciding to pursue a possible diaconal vocation, a marriedman must comply with <strong>the</strong> wishes <strong>of</strong> his wife, in a spirit <strong>of</strong> mutualcommitment <strong>and</strong> love. A wife is an equal partner in <strong>the</strong> Sacrament
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