PERMANENT DIACONATE DIVISION
SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY
100 East Wynnewood Road | Wynnewood, PA 19096
610 664-2213 | Fax 610 664-3728 | diaconate@scs.edu
Self-Evaluation Form
Paragraph 28 of the Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons states:
Finally, the man preparing for diaconate... “is a necessary and irreplaceable agent
in his own formation: all formation...is ultimately a self-formation.”
Self-formation does not imply isolation, closure to or independence from
formators, but responsibility and dynamism in responding with generosity to God’s call,
valuing to the highest the people and tools which Providence puts at one’s disposition.
Self-formation has its root in a firm determination to grow in life according to the
Spirit and in conformity with the vocation received, and it is nourished in being humbly
open to recognizing one’s own limitations and gifts.
This paragraph from the Basic Norms highlights the important fact that a candidate for the
diaconate cannot be a “passive agent” in the formation process. He is, in the words of the Basic
Norms, “irreplaceable.” He must engage the formation process as a totality as well as specifically
in the four-fold dimension as it is laid out by the Church. Self-evaluation is an indispensable
component, which necessitates measured self-reflection and the need to be specific concerning
areas for both commendation and recommendation, all of which is done in a spirit of humility.
The Basic Norms ought to be read yearly by each Aspirant and candidate, so that he may
imbibe its teaching and spirit. Specifically, paragraphs 66 through 88 identify those qualities
which the Church is seeking in her deacons. Obviously, no one possesses all of them, or in equal
measure. For that reason, self evaluation helps one to see where he is gifted as well as where
growth is needed. We ask that you use the following instrument which culls out of these
paragraphs some of the essential qualities you should be seeking. As a result of using this
instrument, we ask that you prepare a self evaluation in paragraph form, which gives both you and
us a sense of where you are at this point in formation. This tool will be a valuable instrument for
use with your spiritual director, pastor, and with the administration of the Permanent Diaconate
Division. Please give sufficient time for serious reflection.
Name________________________________________
Date____________________
HUMAN FORMATION
The scope of human formation is that of molding the personality of the sacred ministers in such a
way that they become a ‘bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ
the Redeemer of man.’ (Basic Norms, para. 66)
Reflect on the qualities listed below. Identify your strengths and note the areas where growth is
needed. “1" is very weak; “5" is very strong. “In my judgment, I ...
1. Am loyal
1
2
3
4
5
2. Am true to my word
1
2
3
4
5
3. Am compassionate
1
2
3
4
5
4. Am a good listener
1
2
3
4
5
5. Am balanced in judgment
1
2
3
4
5
6. Am affable
1
2
3
4
5
7. Am generous in service to others
1
2
3
4
5
8. Am humbly open to criticism
1
2
3
4
5
9. Am generally self-reflective
1
2
3
4
5
10. Am not overbearing
1
2
3
4
5
11. Am a community oriented person
1
2
3
4
5
12. Possess affective maturity
1
2
3
4
5
13. Share frequently with my family about diaconate
1
2
3
4
5
14. Am certain that my wife/children have no serious objections to
my pursuit of the diaconate
1
2
3
4
5
15. Have realistic expectations of self and others
1
2
3
4
5
16. Am consistently punctual
1
2
3
4
5
17. Have sufficient self-esteem
1
2
3
4
5
18. Am appropriately assertive
1
2
3
4
5
19. Am appropriate in my personal appearance
1
2
3
4
5
Based on this reflection, the following are some goals for the next year in the area of human
formation: (BE SPECIFIC)
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
The element which most characterizes diaconal spirituality is the discovery of and sharing in the
love of Christ the Servant, who came not to be served but to serve. The candidate must therefore
be helped progressively to acquire those attitudes which are specifically diaconal, though not
exclusively so...” (Basic Norms, para. 72.)
Reflect on the qualities listed below. Identify your strengths and note the areas where growth is
needed. “1" is very weak; “5" is very strong. “In my judgment, I ...
1. Am devoted to a Eucharistic spirituality
1
2
3
4
5
2. Am devoted to the Sacrament of Penance
1
2
3
4
5
3. Am devoted to the daily reading of the Scriptures
1
2
3
4
5
4. Am dedicated to the Liturgy of the Hours
1
2
3
4
5
5. Am balanced among work, family and diaconate
1
2
3
4
5
6. Am faithful to Spiritual Direction
1
2
3
4
5
7. Am obedient
1
2
3
4
5
8. Possess a charism of service
1
2
3
4
5
9. Have a love of the poor
1
2
3
4
5
10. Strive after simplicity of heart
1
2
3
4
5
11. Have a devotion to Our Lady and the rosary
1
2
3
4
5
12. Am compassionate toward the sick
1
2
3
4
5
13. Am comfortable at the altar
1
2
3
4
5
14. Can maintain confidentiality
1
2
3
4
5
15. Do spiritual reading
1
2
3
4
5
16. Am chaste in my speech/relationships
1
2
3
4
5
17. Am respectful of authority
1
2
3
4
5
18. Can share fraternally with others
1
2
3
4
5
19. Am charitable in speech
1
2
3
4
5
20. Am open in my discernment about this calling
1
2
3
4
5
Based on this reflection, the following are some goals for the next year in the area of spiritual
formation: (BE SPECIFIC)
INTELLECTUAL FORMATION
Intellectual formation is a necessary dimension of diaconal formation insofar as it offers the
deacon a substantial nourishment for his spiritual life and a precious instrument for his ministry.
It is particularly urgent today, in the face of the challenge of the new evangelization to which the
Church is called at this difficult juncture of the millennium. (Basic Norms, para. 79)
Reflect on the qualities listed below. Identify your strengths and note the areas where growth is
needed. “1" is very weak; “5" is very strong. “In my judgment, I ...
1. Am disciplined and committed to study
1
2
3
4
5
2. Can explain the faith
1
2
3
4
5
3. Possess a basic grasp of the faith
1
2
3
4
5
4. Am patient with those who do not grasp the teachings of the
Church
1
2
3
4
5
5. Do all required readings
1
2
3
4
5
6. Can integrate theology with my spiritual life
1
2
3
4
5
7. Can “read” a situation
1
2
3
4
5
8. Am comfortable speaking in public
1
2
3
4
5
9. Know how to give advice and counsel
1
2
3
4
5
10. Am building a small resource library with a
theological/pastoral emphasis
1
2
3
4
5
11. Make sure that all my pastoral actions are guided by the
Church
1
2
3
4
5
12. Know how to use modern communication techniques in
presenting the Gospel
1
2
3
4
5
13. Am developing a stronger and livelier ecclesial conscience
1
2
3
4
5
14. Respect the various cultural modes in which the Gospel is
proclaimed
1
2
3
4
5
Based on this reflection, the following are some goals for the next year in the area of intellectual
formation: (BE SPECIFIC)
PASTORAL FORMATION
In the wide sense, pastoral formation coincides with spiritual formation: it is formation for an ever
greater identification with the diakonia of Christ. This attitude must guide the articulation of the
various aspects of formation, integrating them within the unitary perspective of the diaconal
vocation, which consists in being a sacrament of Christ, servant of the Father. (Basic Norms, para. 85)
Reflect on the qualities listed below. Identify your strengths and note the areas where growth is
needed. “1" is very weak; “5" is very strong. “In my judgment, I ...
1. Handle conflicts constructively
1
2
3
4
5
2. Assume responsibility for my decisions and actions
1
2
3
4
5
3. Am disciplined in my use of time
1
2
3
4
5
4. Am aware of personal strengths and limitations
1
2
3
4
5
5. Seek the assistance of others when necessary and/or
appropriate
1
2
3
4
5
6. Complete my pastoral assignments
1
2
3
4
5
7. Work well with others, both superiors and peers
1
2
3
4
5
8. Show sensitivity toward ecumenical and social justice
issues
1
2
3
4
5
9. Take initiative in pastoral matters
1
2
3
4
5
10. Am willing to follow Church/parish procedures
1
2
3
4
5
11. Am willing to follow suggestions made in supervision
1
2
3
4
5
12. Communicate clearly and thoughtfully
1
2
3
4
5
13. Exercise authority with humility
1
2
3
4
5
14. Recognize theological demands inherent in pastoral
ministry
1
2
3
4
5
15. Can be a leader, within groups or individually
1
2
3
4
5
16. Am viewed as a leader within the parish
1
2
3
4
5
17. Meet with my pastor on a regular and formal basis
1
2
3
4
5
Based on this reflection, the following are some goals for the next year in the area of pastoral
formation: (BE SPECIFIC)
Reflect on this self-evaluation, and in paragraph form, articulate where you are in your formation,
in discernment about this call, how formation has thus affected you, etc.