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

76Chapter 4communities. Their support and encouragement will effectivelyassist in the recruitment of qualified nominees from their communities.Representatives of U.S. ethnic and cultural communities—suchas Americans of African, Pacific Asian, Native American, andHispanic heritage—who participate as consultants to the diaconateoffice, can provide significant insight on cultural subtleties and theireffect upon discernment and formation programming, including pastoralplacement.Hispanic AmericansStudy of languageand cultureMulticultural sensitivity162. Of particular importance in the United States is the largeHispanic Catholic population. Knowledge of Spanish and ofHispanic cultures is important in both recruiting and retainingHispanic candidates. In each path in formation, essential resources—e.g., translators, textbooks, mentors, community support—should beprovided to ensure the inclusion of each participant.163. Care ought to be taken, especially in the post-ordinationpath in formation, to provide opportunities for English-speakingdeacons to learn Spanish, or other appropriate languages used in thediocese, on a conversational level. The opportunity for formal studyof Hispanic and other cultures also should be provided. Further, thestudy of English and the historical development of a multiculturalsociety within the United States should be provided to those whoseprimary language is not English.164. The above discussion regarding the recruitment and retentionof Hispanic candidates applies to each cultural, racial, and ethniccommunity. Those responsible for recruitment, discernment, andformation have a responsibility to exercise multicultural sensitivity.They need to appreciate cultural subtleties and differences,acknowledging the historical constrictions experienced within thesecommunities. Further, familiarity with family structures and traditionsis important. This cultural/racial/ethnic orientation and sensitivityenables recruiters and those involved in formation to competentlydiscern and foster diaconal vocations within these diversefaith communities.