PROCESS OF DIACONATE FORMATION
XII. Family
The wives of applicants, aspirants and candidates are very important to their husband’s formation and eventual diaconal ministry. It is required that married men aspiring to the Sacred Order of Deacon have a solid sacramental marriage that is rooted in Christ. The Church must take into account the family and its needs. The families of those aspiring to ordained ministry come into a wider community, a community that must respect the life experiences they bring as well as their personal faith. The demands on the family are great and mutual support is necessary, as well as a family’s spirituality that is Christ centered; this would include children living at home.
Wives must be willing to be open to the formation process both for themselves and their husband. The demands of formation are great and the public nature of diaconal ministry can create stress that must be understood and dealt with. One must not forget that the blessings the family receives through formation and ordained ministry are also great. Care must be taken that the aspirant maintains a balanced family and professional life. The aspirant/candidate and his wife must consider issues like age, faith, health, economics, employment, and relationships. Through formation the man grows in his understanding of diaconal ministry and his relationship with Christ, so too must the wife grow in her understanding of diaconal ministry and her relationship with Christ. Formation provides the opportunity for these goals to be achieved.
