Seven candidates preparing for the permanent diaconate were instituted into the Ministry of Acolyte during a Mass celebrated Nov. 10 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. This milestone marked the final formal step in their formation before their ordination as permanent deacons is scheduled for next year.
Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City presided at the Mass. Concelebrating priests included Father John Evans, vicar general; Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general emeritus; Father Martin Diaz, a retired priest; Father Christopher Gray, rector of the cathedral; Father Roberto Montoro, administrator of St. Henry Parish; Father Samuel Dinsdale, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish; Father Rafael Murillo Ventura, pastor of St. Mary Parish; Father Oscar Picos, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish; and Father Andre Sicard, the cathedral’s parochial vicar.
Assisting at the liturgy were Deacon Bernardo Villar and Deacon Scott Dodge, director of the diocesan Office of the Diaconate, along with several other diocesan deacons.
In his welcoming remarks, Bishop Solis said the gathering was held to celebrate an important step in the formation of the seven Catholic candidates. Through the Rite of Institution to the Ministry of Acolyte, the bishop explained that the Church publicly recognizes and entrusts them with a deeper participation in liturgical and sacramental life.
During his homily, Bishop Solis described the occasion as a special moment of grace and an important step in the candidates' configuration to Christ the Servant. He noted that before serving God’s people, the candidates must first learn to serve the presence of God. He further emphasized that the ministry is not a position of honor but one of humble service.
The candidates receiving the ministry include Patrick Bondad from St. George and Christ the King parishes; Michael Corcoran and John Schoenfeld from St. Thomas More Parish in Cottonwood Heights; Kevin Cummings from St. Olaf Parish in Bountiful; and Michael Edwards, Alex Guzmán López, and John Jurkowski from St. Mary Parish in West Haven.
Bishop Solis cautioned the candidates against a culture that denies transcendence or treats sacred things casually. He reminded them that the Church never separates worship from mission and that their ministry will involve standing at the intersection of the Church and the world to proclaim the Good News and assist at the altar.
