Florida Catholic | Deacon Candidates Installed

Deacon candidates installed as readers, acolytes

Published: 12.07.07

Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, presents a Bible to deacon candidate Donald Krehely of St. Anne Parish in Bellview as members of his class await their installations as readers during a Nov. 18 ritual at Resurrection Parish in Destin.
AMY FERRARA SMITH | FC

DESTIN | Men who hope to become permanent deacons in service to the diocese took one step closer to that goal when Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, installed them as readers and acolytes during a Mass at Resurrection Parish in Destin Nov. 18. The 19 candidates of the formation class for the permanent diaconate represent 13 parishes in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.

As each candidate held a copy of the Bible, Bishop Ricard spoke the following words over him: “Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.” Each candidate responded, “Amen” to signify his acceptance of the challenge.

Each candidate then knelt before Bishop Ricard to accept the paten with the bread that would be consecrated in the Mass. The bishop said, “Take this vessel with the bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his church.” Once again each candidate answered with “Amen.” Several of the new acolytes also served as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion at the Mass.

With their installation into the ministries of reader and acolyte, these men will now be able to exercise these ministries in their parishes, thereby continuing their training and taking a more active part in the celebration of the Mass. Both of these ministries will better prepare them for their duties and responsibilities as deacons of the church.

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Deacon candidates installed as readers, acolytes

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