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

Notes83NOTES1 1 Tm 3:10.2 BNFPD, no. 29, citing PDV, no. 36.3 DMLPD, no. 49, citing Pope Paul VI, Apostolic Letter, Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem (June18, 1967), no. 8.4 BNFPD, no. 32.5 Ibid., nos. 31-33.6 National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Program for Priestly Formation, Fourth Edition(Washington, D.C.: United States Catholic Conference, 1993), no. 280.7 BNFPD, no. 40.8 Ibid. This letter should attest that the man shows evidence of the qualities, attitudes, experience,and spirituality deemed necessary for admission into formation, namely, that he isa) Actively involved in parish and other community serviceb) In full communion with the Church (At least two or three years should elapsebetween a convert’s or returning Catholic’s entry into the Church and his acceptanceinto formation; care must be given to someone in whom a sudden conversionexperience seems to precipitate a diaconal vocation.)c) In a positive and stable marriage, if married, or in a mature celibate state of life, if singled) If married, has the consent of his wife (An applicant whose marriage has beenannulled should be screened carefully to ascertain if and how previous obstacles toa marriage commitment might affect his viability as a candidate for the diaconate.Care also should be extended to those who are recently widowed—normally, at leasttwo years should elapse prior to acceptance; those recently married should live theirmarried vocation for three years prior to requesting admittance.)e) Properly motivated and gives evidence of an overall personal balance andmoral characterf) A frequent participant in adult faith enrichment opportunities (e.g., retreats, days ofreflection, spiritual direction, study of Scripture and church teachings)g) Free of canonical impediments or irregularities (CIC, cc. 1040-1042)9 Cf. this Directory, Chapter Eight, no. 284, on committee on admission and scrutinies.10 BNFPD, no. 35; cf. Footnote 39 of BNFPD, no. 35.11 Ibid., no. 70.12 If the information regarding Confirmation or marriage, if relevant, is not recorded on the baptismalrecord, separate certificates for Confirmation and marriage are to be obtained (cf. CIC,cc. 1033; 1050:3; 241:2); annulment documents should also be obtained, if applicable.13 CIC, c. 1031:3.14 The application form should provide information on his family, as well as his religious, academic,employment, and service history, and a personal handwritten statement requestingadmission into aspirant formation, indicating his motivation for seeking ordination to the