Many blessings and congratulations to our Diocese’s 26 Permanent Diaconate Candidates, Class of 2025, who were instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte by Bishop David P. Talley in a beautiful ceremony, Sunday, Oct. 8, during Holy Mass at our magnificent and historic Mother Church, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1695 Central Ave.

Bishop Talley was the Celebrant and Homilist with Bishop Emeritus J. Terry Steib, SVD, and Father Robert Szczechura, Pastor, The Cathedral, were the Concelebrants. Deacons and Altar Servers provided excellent assistance, Knights of Columbus and Knights of Peter Claver provided great support, and the Cantor and Music were wonderful. The newly instituted Acolytes (Deacon Candidates) will be ordained into the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the Spring of 2025 as Permanent Deacons. The Candidates are installed in the Ministry of Acolyte during their third year in order to assist Deacons and Priests in liturgical celebrations, especially the Eucharistic Liturgy. The Vocation to become a Permanent Deacon is a Five-Year Master Degree level study, which began in the Spring of 2020 for these Candidates. Also, each Deacon’s spouse, if they are married, are right by their side in support of the Candidate.