On Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, ten men celebrated the Rite of Candidacy for the permanent diaconate during a Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Grand Rapids, of which Bishop Walkowiak was the presider.
Those accepted into candidacy for the diaconate on Saturday are: Gregory Beasley, David Bevins, James Cross, Matthew Dugener, Lawrence Duthler, Fernando Gutierrez, Randy Hodge, Ottoniel Orozco, Michael Schasser, and Wade Yott. We offer our congratulations to them, their wives and families!
View photos:
This Rite is for those, who after a year-long discernment process, have shown positive signs of the vocation to the diaconate. These signs are to be confirmed over the next three years as their formation continues. During this period formation continues in spiritual, intellectual and human formation while expanding into pastoral formation.
During Mass, Bishop Walkowiak explained in his homily how these ten men are now entering into an important phase of formation where their aptitude and readiness for Holy Orders are examined. Each of the ten were called forward by name and promised to continue to prepare themselves in mind and spirit for service to the Church.
This is the second class of permanent deacons for the diocese since the deacon formation program was reinstated in 2015 by Bishop Walkowiak. Eight men in the formation program’s first class are currently candidates to be ordained in January 2022.
Deacons are one of three major orders of the sacrament of holy orders, the others are priests and bishops. Deacons may officiate at baptisms, weddings and funerals, read the Gospel and preach at Mass, and help with the canonical process for marriage and baptism, but one of their greatest priorities is service to the poor and marginalized.
The next class of deacons for the diocese is currently being formed. The deadline for applications is March 2021. Learn more about the permanent diaconate program in our diocese.
