Deacon ordination

Most Rev. Matthew Clark, Bishop of Rochester, will ordain four men to the diaconate. The men will be ordained at a special 10:30 a.m. Mass tomorrow  at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Flower City Park.

The candidates are Eric A. Bessette of Pittsford (Bushnell’s Basin); Donald D. Eggleston of Greece; John C. Hoffman of Honeoye Falls; and Robert E. Lyons of Brighton

A permanent deacon – most often a married man – is ordained for service within the church, according to Deacon David Palma, director of deacon personnel for the diocese.  A deacon’s ministry ranges from Service of the Word (proclaiming the Gospel message, teaching, conducting retreats and counseling), Service of the Altar (assisting at Mass, witnessing marriages, baptizing and presiding at wakes and funerals) to Service of Charity (building up human dignity as ministers of charity and justice).

Candidates for the permanent diaconate must participate in four years of formation at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.  Many deacons complete a master’s degree in pastoral studies.

The Diocese of Rochester has more than 100 deacons.