PASTORAL FIELD EDUCATION DIACONATE FORMATION RESOURCES The Basic
PASTORAL FIELD EDUCATION DIACONATE FORMATION
RESOURCES • The Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons: http: //www. vatican. va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_31031998_ directorium-diaconi_en. html • The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons: http: //usccb. org/beliefsand-teachings/vocations/diaconate/upload/Deacon. Directory. pdf
DEACON: A LIVING ICON OF JESUS THE SERVANT • The ministry of charity is “most characteristic of the deacon. ” In fact, with sacred ordination, [the deacon] is constituted a living icon of Christ the Servant within the Church. Therefore, as he conforms his life to Christ the Servant, making himself a generous and faithful servant of God and of those in need, especially among the poorest and those most suffering, he helps to shape the vitality and genuineness of the exercise of the corporal and spiritual works of charity in the life of the believing community. (National Directory, 147)
THE SPIRIT OF THE GOSPEL • From its beginnings, the ministry of the deacon encompassed stewardship of the Church’s material goods, making evident the claim of the poor on the resources of the community. Deacons helped to ensure that the allocation of those resources made provision for meaningful assistance to those who suffered from poverty, hunger, homelessness, and disease. Today, the restored diaconate maintains this traditional stewardship through its commitment to the poor. (National Directory, 148)
INTEGRATING ROLE OF PASTORAL FORMATION • The pastoral dimension in formation is not merely an “apprenticeship” to familiarize the participant in diaconal formation with some pastoral techniques. Its aim, however, is to initiate the aspirant and candidate into the sensitivity of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, who came to serve and not be served. Pastoral field education embodies this orientation, promoting learning through active engagement in a pastoral situation. It fosters a general integration in the formational process forging a close link between the human, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions in formation. (National Directory, 126)
PASTORAL INTERNSHIPS (BASIC NORMS, 87 -88) • For the first three years of candidacy, our deacon candidates will have a dual pastoral assignment • • Parish (Word and Liturgy) ministry • Charity ministry Purpose • Multicultural awareness • Improve clarity as to the needs of those we serve
OBJECTIVES AND QUALITIES OF THE PASTORAL DIMENSION (NATIONAL DIRECTORY, 127) • Proclaim the Christian message and teach it (Basic Norms, 86) • Lead others in communal celebrations of liturgical prayer • Witness the Church in a Christian serviced marked by charity and justice • Strong missionary sensitivity (Basic Norms, 88)
OBJECTIVES AND QUALITIES OF THE PASTORAL DIMENSION (NATIONAL DIRECTORY, 127) Strengthen and enhance the exercise of the prophetic, priestly, and servant-leadership functions – deriving from his baptismal consecration – already lived and exercised by the participant in diaconal formation. Qualities to be develop: a spirit of pastoral responsibility and servant – leadership; generosity and perseverance; creativity; respect for ecclesial communion; and filial obedience to the bishop
OBJECTIVES OF THE CHARITY PLACEMENTS (NATIONAL DIRECTORY, 146 -150) • Developed a deeper love for the poor, the sick and oppressed • Obtain awareness of the needs of our local church (Basic Norms, 88)
THE CANDIDATE’S PASTORAL INTERNSHIP (YEAR 1) • Two-Year Parish Assignment • Duties Include: • Charity Assignment (Diocesan Ministry) • Holy Communion to the sick and homebound • Hospice Ministry • Holy Communion to those parishioners in nursing homes and hospitals • Vita’s Hospice (typically)
THE CANDIDATE’S PASTORAL INTERNSHIP (YEAR 2) • Ministry to the Sick (Diocesan Ministry) • Parish Assignment • Hospital Chaplaincy • Duties Include: Teaching the faith • One-year assignment • Liturgical Ministry: Lector • 10 hours training of basic training • Faith Formation: • The candidate gives between 8 -10 hours of service per month • Adults • Youth • RCIA
THE CANDIDATE’S PASTORAL INTERNSHIP (YEAR 3) • A new Two-Year Parish Assignment • Parish duties include: • Assisting in sacramental preparation, in particular baptism and marriage • Assisting in liturgical ministry • Lector • Acolyte • Charity Assignment (Diocesan Ministry) • Prison ministry or any of the following • Hospice, Catholic Charities, Nursing Homes, Detention Center and Shelters
THE CANDIDATE’S PASTORAL INTERNSHIP (YEAR 4) • Parish Assignment • Assisting in sacramental preparation, in particular marriage • Assist liturgically as acolyte every Sunday • Shadow priest/deacon in celebration of funeral rites, baptism, holy matrimony
WHO SUPERVISES THE DEACON CANDIDATE? • Parish Assignment: Pastor • Pastor may appoint a Deacon or someone other than a deacon • Charity Assignment (Diocesan Ministry): Chaplaincy Coordinator • The Coordinator of Pastoral Field Education works in collaboration with all supervisors
ROLE OF THE COORDINATOR OF PASTORAL FIELD EDUCATION • Assists the director of formation in the apostolic formation of aspirants and candidates • Introduces the students into suitable pastoral experiences, equipping them with practical skills for pastoral and diaconal ministry • Arranges for the pastoral field placement of aspirants and candidates • Coordinates an orientation and training of those who assist him in the field placement • Provides a written assessment [evaluation] of the student’s pastoral experience • The Coordinator corresponds to the office of the “pastor” (or other minister)” required by the Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons
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