Five men studying for the permanent diaconate were instituted as acolytes during a Mass with Bishop Donald Kettler Feb. 17 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
An acolyte looks after the service of the altar and assists the deacon and priest in liturgical services, especially the celebration of the Mass.
The men and their parishes are:
• Jorge Armondo Carrillo, St. Mary Melrose;
• Jesus Hernandez Chavez, St. Mary in Melrose;
• Mario Gonzalo Mancilla, St. Leonard in Pelican Rapids;
• Carlos Pesqueda Silva, St. Mary of Mount Carmel in Long Prairie
• Lorenzo Sanchez Rodriguez, Assumption in Morris
They continue their journey to the permanent diaconate with this last step. All five were admitted to candidacy in January 2021 and graduated from the Emmaus Institute Feb. 6, earning a certificate in pastoral ministry from the Diocese of St. Cloud. They will continue their education and are expected to be ordained this summer.