Twenty men were accepted to Candidacy for the Permanent Diaconate Sunday (11/1) at an Evening Prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena.
Candidacy is the first major milestone in a six-year journey of formation that will result, God willing, in the men being ordained as Permanent Deacons.
Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial services outside of Mass, distribute Holy Communion, and preach the homily. Deaconsareobligated to pray the Divine Office each day.
During the service, Bishop Alfred Schlert questioned the men about their resolve to complete their preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Orders, after which they will be able to assume their ministry.
The candidates recently completed a group retreat, at which they made their Profession of Faith, swore an Oath of Fidelity, and composed their hand-written petitions to Bishop Schlert to be accepted as Candidates.
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