Bishop Dewane told the men that by becoming acolytes they are more bound to the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ and Holy Mother Church. “Strive to live your life more fully in the Lord’s sacrifice,” he continued. “Place the presence of God in the forefront of your life so as to understand who you are and who you are becoming.”
Bishop Dewane said each man has been given talents, gifts and inspiration and they need to focus those on their new role in the service to the Lord. He also thanked the men for the decision they have made to commit to their faith, and then recognized their wives and families for fully supporting this decision.
The position of acolyte is one of several steps in the formation of a permanent deacon. The acolyte has a special role in the Church. It is now their responsibility to assist priests and deacons in carrying out their ministry; this is most commonly done through assisting the priest during Mass.
The acolytes come from across the Diocese: Beck is of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota; Gibbons Jr., of St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral; Landron of St. Agnes Parish in Naples; Perez-Alvarez of St. Katherine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral; and Reardon of Resurrection Parish in Fort Myers, will be entering their fifth and final year of studies in the Diaconate Formation Program in September, with ordination to the Permanent Diaconate anticipated sometime in 2015.
During the process to become a permanent deacon, they receive training in theology, canon law and pastoral ministry. They were previously admitted as candidates for the permanent diaconate when they publicly declared their intention of receiving orders and the bishop accepted and then instituted as readers so they could proclaim the Gospel.
For more information about the Permanent Diaconate, please call Deacon William Ladroga at 941-484-9543.
By Bob Reddy (Florida Catholic)
06/19/2014