Diaconate admission

Fifty-three men were admitted as diaconate candidates during a bilingual Mass in the Morris Hall Chapel at the St. John Center in Little Rock Sept. 14. (Katie Zakrzewski)

On Sept. 14, 53 future deacons gathered for a bilingual Mass in the Morris Hall Chapel at the St. John Center in Little Rock for the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders. This Mass served as an opportunity for the candidates to publicly express their intention to be ordained permanent deacons. 

Candidates responded in English and Spanish that they were resolved to becoming a deacon and, in due time, working to help the Church and faith communities. 

Father Rubén Quinteros, director of the Diaconate Formation Office, said the Diocese of Little Rock is blessed to have so many men willing to join the diaconate.

“Candidacy Mass is the ceremony where candidates state their intention to follow the path or process of formation towards the diaconate,” Father Quinteros said. “… We are extremely blessed in our diocese to have the number of candidates we have. It is not only the men involved in the formation process, but the unconditional support of their wives and the entire family.

“Candidacy is the first official step of preparation for the liturgical role in the future but also the willingness to learn and teach what the Holy Church teaches and preparing a discerning heart to be attentive to the needs of the people for works of charity. The number of candidates very well reflects the diversity and needs of our Diocese of Little Rock.”

Neal Reeves, one of the diaconate candidates and a parishioner of Christ the King in Little Rock, said the Mass made him feel emotional. 

“I felt very humbled, honored and emotional … that God has placed this call in mine and Robyn’s (Reeves’ wife) life,” Reeves said. “I felt like God was asking me to be open to the calling and to take the journey day by day. I believe I have something to offer the Church and God is working that out through the diaconate program.”

Sixty-three men began their formation in 2023. The diaconate ordination is set for June 2028.

CORRECTION: The original publication of this brief stated that candidates would be ordained as transitional deacons. They are being ordained as permanent deacons. Transitional deacons are ordained with the intention of becoming priests.

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