The men are two and a half years into their studies for the diaconate, and they have about two and a half years remaining.
Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at the candidacy Mass. Concelebrants were Father Charlie Burton, Father Ron Franco, CSP, Father Pontian Kiyimba, and host pastor Father Michael Woods. More than 20 permanent deacons attended as well.
The new deacon candidates are Hicks Armor, William D. Bitzer,
Gilbert T. Campos II, John F. DeClue, James M. Duncan, Bernard M. Feldhaus, Albert T. Forsythe, Donald R. Griffith, Stephan P. Helmbrecht, Michael Humphreys, Robert H. Ketteringham, Scott Maentz, Durwood Byron Maples, Stephen A. May, Dennis L. Meinert, Peter A. Minneci, David M. Oatney, Walter D. Otey, Stephen E. Ratterman Sr., Larry R. Rossini, Phillip M. Talmadge, Thomas T. Tidwell Jr., and Fredy T. Vargas.Following the homily, the deacon aspirants were called forward individually. Bishop Stika then questioned the group, and after the recitation of the Creed, invited all present to pray for the aspirants.
Mr. Armor proclaimed the first reading of the Mass in English, and Mr. Vargas proclaimed the second reading in Spanish.