National Association of Diaconate Directors

The National Directory Institute is the acclaimed seminar that helps deacon formation directors understand and integrate into their diocesan formation programs the objectives of the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. It also addresses the key challenges in the life and ministry of deacons, and enables participants to identify appropriate and effective ways of supporting deacons in ministry.

Participants learn the principles, norms, and implications of identifying and calling aspirants, forming candidates in preparation of Holy Orders, and sustaining deacons in their ministries. NDI integrates the four pillars of formational development (human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral) to assure that formation programs, including post-ordination formation, excel by meeting objectives for normative readiness. Participants apply what they have learned to complete a project that addresses a significant challenge in the diaconate in their diocese.

The 2012-2013 NDI, like the two Institutes that preceded it, is presented by NADD in collaboration with the Institute for the Diaconate at the Pontifical College Josephinum and the USCCB Committee for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.

The National Directory Institute is designed to assist deacon formation directors to:

Implement the National Directory as instructed by their bishop
Find new ways to integrate the normative elements of the Directory into their formation programs
Discover valuable insights into the theology, goals and objectives of the National Directory
Develop successful formation programs
Assure that their deacon formation program complies with the standards of the National Directory and incorporates "best practices" in the implementation of the National Directory.
Complete a personally designed project that will address a challenge of their formation or post ordination program.