DIACONATE FORMATION PROGRAM
ORDINATION AND CELEBRATION
Steps Along the Way:
Upon entering the Diaconate Formation Program, men are considered Aspirants for the first year.At the completion of 2 years, applicants become Candidates for ordination.
(Class of 2009 Welcomed as Candidates)
At the completion of 3 years, Candidates are advanced to Reader and Acolyte.
At the end of 4 years, men are Ordained Permanent Deacons.
(This is the class of 2007)On December 8th 2007 Bishop McDonnell ordained 6 new Deacons. From left to right Deacon John Leary, Deacon Norman Grondin, Deacon Gary Doane, Deacon Robert Esposito, Deacon Mark Kolasinski, Deacon Ed Shaw.
Bishop Timothy McDonnell recommends that deacons serve in a second capacity within the Diocese if at all possible. For example, a deacon may be assigned to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish as well as assisting in the Tribunal Office of the Diocese.
At our Annual Appreciation Dinner in November of 2008, Bishop McDonnell recognized 7 Deacons for their 15th anniversaries: Deacons Herbert Cary, Ralph Cyr, George Keator, William Moesley, Robert Moulton, Frederick Pelletier, and Arthur Ratte.
At the dinner, Bishop McDonnell also recognized Deacon Gregory LaFreniere for his 5th year of service.
A special celebration occurred at the dinner as we honored Sr. Eleanor Dooley for her 22 years of service to the Diaconate Program.
The official unveiling was held on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at Holy Name School in Chicopee.
