Introduction to Pastoral Field Education (PFE)
Men interested in becoming deacons begin formation with certain gifts and abilities on a human,
intellectual and spiritual level. Diaconal formation then builds upon this foundation to help them
discern their calling to Holy Orders and grow in diaconal character and skills. The final goal then,
when these gifts and abilities are developed and given in service to Christ and the Church, is fruitful
pastoral ministry.
intellectual and spiritual level. Diaconal formation then builds upon this foundation to help them
discern their calling to Holy Orders and grow in diaconal character and skills. The final goal then,
when these gifts and abilities are developed and given in service to Christ and the Church, is fruitful
pastoral ministry.
For deacons, pastoral ministry is actualized in the three-fold ministry of proclaiming the Word of God,
serving at the Altar and through the ministry of Charity.
In order to prepare for fruitful pastoral ministry, the Pastoral Field Education (PFE) component of
formation is provided. Its purpose is two-fold. First, it helps those in formation, and the formation
team, recognize the aspirant’s or candidate’s gifts and abilities and whether they are developing
appropriately throughout formation. Secondly, it is meant to give the aspirant and candidate practical
experience to grow in diaconal skills.
team, recognize the aspirant’s or candidate’s gifts and abilities and whether they are developing
appropriately throughout formation. Secondly, it is meant to give the aspirant and candidate practical
experience to grow in diaconal skills.
Thus, PFE, becomes a tool for discernment and growth throughout formation. It entails:
For Aspirants
Writing theological reflections on your current service and observations in the parish
For Candidates
Six modules (one each semester) to explore and experience various areas of diaconal ministry.
You can click on the link below and download any forms you might need
- Module 1 ~ Catechesis and Evangelization
- Module 2 ~ Marriage and Family
- Module 3 ~ The Ministry of Charity
- Module 4 ~ Parish Structures and Administration
- Module 5 ~ Independent Practicum
- Module 6 ~ Sacred Worship
At this point in formation we are not asking you to become more involved in your parishes since
your primary objective at this time is discerning your call to the diaconate. However, since your
pastoral formation closely coincides with your spiritual formation and discernment (see paragraph 85
in the Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons) it is important that we introduce the
pastoral element of your formation at this time in a manner appropriate for aspirants.
pastoral formation closely coincides with your spiritual formation and discernment (see paragraph 85
in the Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons) it is important that we introduce the
pastoral element of your formation at this time in a manner appropriate for aspirants.
To give you the proper background, begin by reading the following from the National Directory for
the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States published by the USCCB:
126 – 133
197
219
275
Per the recommendations of the National Directory (cf #133 in the National Directory), we begin PFE
for aspirants by asking them to reflect theologically on a pastoral situation or encounter in some area
of ministry they are currently involved with in their parish.
of ministry they are currently involved with in their parish.
A “pastoral situation or encounter” is an encounter (interpersonal) of the whole person (human,
intellectual and spiritual) in imitation of Christ who came not to be served but to serve.
intellectual and spiritual) in imitation of Christ who came not to be served but to serve.
The tool for doing this is the Theological Reflection. Conceptually, the Theological Reflection is a
written description by the deacon aspirant of an experience encountered in the course of service in the
parish (a “pastoral encounter”). The pastoral encounter is made the object of reflection on multiple
levels; not only theological and pastoral, but also emotional and interpersonal. While taking account
of the external details of persons and events, the theological reflection focuses more on the internal
responses of the aspirant. The goal of reflecting theologically in this manner is to move the aspirant
beyond simply encountering pastoral situations on an intellectual level to making it an encounter of
the whole person in imitation of Christ.
parish (a “pastoral encounter”). The pastoral encounter is made the object of reflection on multiple
levels; not only theological and pastoral, but also emotional and interpersonal. While taking account
of the external details of persons and events, the theological reflection focuses more on the internal
responses of the aspirant. The goal of reflecting theologically in this manner is to move the aspirant
beyond simply encountering pastoral situations on an intellectual level to making it an encounter of
the whole person in imitation of Christ.
In others words, the goal of doing these theological reflections is to see the Lord at work in a pastoral
encounter and to find yourself a participant in that encounter: either as an observer, a recipient or as an
instrument. Then, hear what the Lord is asking of you and respond appropriately.
instrument. Then, hear what the Lord is asking of you and respond appropriately.
The objective for doing reflections in this way is to help the aspirant see deeper into himself and
determine whether they are moving beyond just helping out in your parish to actually being formed
as a servant of Jesus Christ and possibly called to greater service in the Church. Done properly and
seriously, after the reflection, the aspirant should be able to see a realistic snapshot of himself at this
stage in his formation in regard to his pastoral gifts and abilities to generate further growth. It will
give him insights into himself, confirm his calling and strengthen his faith.
as a servant of Jesus Christ and possibly called to greater service in the Church. Done properly and
seriously, after the reflection, the aspirant should be able to see a realistic snapshot of himself at this
stage in his formation in regard to his pastoral gifts and abilities to generate further growth. It will
give him insights into himself, confirm his calling and strengthen his faith.
The theological reflection should be brief (1.5 to 2 pages) and follow this format:
- Brief background to pastoral situation – set the event in context
- Description of the experience – what was going on, who was involved, etc.
- Dynamics of the Relationship
- Interpersonal Analysis
- What were you thinking and feeling at the time?
- What do you think was going on in others at the time?
- What insights did you gain into yourself and others?
- Theological Analysis (Note: this is not to be an academic explanation of the theological components of this pastoral encounter but rather a personal sharing of what was going on in the situation from a theological perspective based on the questions below)
- How did you find God in this pastoral encounter (where are you seeing Christ)?
- How did the encounter relate to Church teaching and practice?
- What does this experience reveal about your personal style as one preparing for leadership in the Church (how do you respond to this encounter with Christ)?
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