Human Formation

Dimensions of Formation

There are four dimensions of Deacon Formation:

Human Formation is the foundation of the other three.
Spiritual Formation informs the other three.
Intellectual Formation enables the understanding of the other three;
Pastoral Formation expresses the other three in practice.

The goal of Human Formation is a fuller development of one’s humanity so that the person of the deacon can be a bridge for communicating Jesus to his people. The capacity to relate to others is fundamental for a person called to be in service for the community. The whole being (body, mind, heart and spirit) is involved in formation: psychological competence, communication skills, maintaining one’s physical well-being, nurturing healthy relationships, and openness to the arts, sciences and politics of human life.

Integrating all of this and more is essential to become a complete and holy person.

Flexibility and openness, demonstrated by the ability to adapt to change and by the ability to be at ease with himself and others; coupled with a personal stamina which shows him to be a man of principles, conviction and empathy
Evidence of having made a personal decision to choose ordained ministry
A developed good sense of one’s self-esteem and self-confidence with the maturity needed to be ordained
The ability to manage time and to administer his own life and the duties of ministry with efficiency
The ability to set limits and goals in one’s life and make plans both for himself and for his ministry
The ability to be self-critical as evidenced by an internal sense of measurement and non-reliance on external approval
An appreciation of the need for recreation and relaxation seen in the ability to take appropriate days off and vacation time
An awareness of his own limitations and strengths and be willing to be formed
Have a healthy understanding of authority and obedience
Non-involvement in substance abuse, sexual addiction, or severe psychological problems, the absence of any definable pathology