STEP TOWARD THE DIACONATE

ST. JOSEPH'S PROVINCIAL HOUSE in Latham hosted vespers last weekend that also included the "rite of installation into the ministry of acolyte" for two men who will become deacons for the Albany Diocese and the "rite of admission to candidacy" for 14 more. Both are steps toward ordination as deacons. The ministry of acolyte denotes a candidate's duty to assist the deacon and priest; admission to candidacy occurs earlier in a future deacon's formation.

The 16 future deacons are Alfred Censullo, Douglas Erickson, Nicholas Ascioti, Ramon Bonifacio, Paul Cerosaletti, Martin Dinan, Ronald Dombrowski, Paul LeBlanc, Bernard McConaghy, Patrick Michel, John Morley, Frederick Shellard, Aaron Tremblay and Gregg Wilbur.

Here, diaconate candidates pray as Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger blesses them, assisted by Deacon James O'Rourke of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany; diaconate candidate Paul Cerosaletti shares the sign of peace with his wife, Amy; candidates Martin Dinan and Ramon Bonifacio embrace during the sign of peace; and Virgilio Vasquez takes a selfie with candidate Ramon Bonifacio. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos) [[In-content Ad]]