Walking with the Word: Deacon candidates embrace their mission

This year brings an important step for the eight permanent deacon candidates in the Diocese of Calgary’s Permanent Diaconate Formation Program. As these men and their wives enter their third year of a four-year journey, they are called to a deeper engagement with the Word of God through the Rite of Institution of Lector, a significant milestone on their path to ordination.

“The Rite of Institution of Lector is the second of three rites in the formation program,” Deacon Laing, member of the Permanent Diaconate Formation (and Mission) Council explained. “This step marks a growing level of commitment for these men as they prepare to serve the Church in a unique way.” The first rite is the Call to Candidacy, and the third, which comes next year, is the Institution of Acolyte.

For Deacon Laing, the beauty of this rite lies in the candidates’ deeper immersion in scripture. "These eight men have accepted the task to become ‘readers and bearers of God’s Word,’” he said. This year of formation, with a focus on sacred scripture, prepares them to bring the living Word to the community in a profound way.

Here is the list of candidates who have just begun their third year of formation (of 4 years) and were instituted as Lectors this fall:

• Rafael (Rafa) Dadivas (Spouse: Katherine [Kay] Dadivas) – Ascension, Calgary
• Jeffrey (Jeff) Desrochers (Spouse: Annette Desrochers) – St. Gabriel's, Chestermere
• Carlo Alejandro (Carlo) Flores Gil (Spouse: Bertha Gonzalez) – Holy Spirit, Calgary
• Grant Gay (Spouse: Kelsey Gay) – St. Albert the Great, Calgary
• Jose Cruzel (Cruzel) Lacao (Spouse: Famela Lacao) – St. Thomas More, Calgary
• Jason Openo (Spouse: Leisha Lesko-Openo) – St. Patrick's, Medicine Hat
• Roy Rebustillo (Spouse: Maria Paz Lourdes Rebustillo) – St. Patrick's, Calgary
• Alberto (Abe) Sia Lu (Spouse: Eva Sia Lu) – St. Mark's, Calgary

A Journey of Transformation

When asked about the personal reflections of the candidates, Deacon Laing shared, “A few have mentioned that this journey in formation has brought them closer to God, to their families, and friends.” It’s clear that this experience is transformative, not only for the men, but also for their loved ones.

Family plays a significant role in the candidates' journeys, as many of them attend formation sessions alongside their wives. The support system extends even further, with the parish community and clergy contributing to the preparation of the ritual. “Every liturgy requires preparation and rehearsal,” Deacon Laing mentioned, emphasizing the work behind the scenes that helped with the execution of the Rite of Institution of Lector.

At the Mass, Bishop McGrattan’s words resonated deeply with the candidates. Deacon Laing recalled part of the bishop’s prayer: “As readers and bearers of God’s Word, you will assist in this mission, and so take on a special office within the Christian community.” The bishop reminded the newly installed Lectors of their responsibility to instruct others in the faith, proclaim God’s Word, and bring the message of salvation to those who have yet to hear it.

What’s next?

​As the candidates move forward, their formation continues to deepen. “Part of year three is dedicated to the ‘Principles of Liturgy,’ and ‘Introduction to Preaching,’” Deacon Laing said, explaining that these lessons begin to prepare them for year four, which focuses on homiletics—learning to prepare and deliver homilies.

For now, though, the candidates are focused on becoming true bearers of God’s Word, guided by the scripture that continues to shape their vocation. With each step they take, they are drawn deeper into their mission of serving the Church and proclaiming the message of salvation.

Welcoming 5 new aspirants

In addition to the permanent deacon candidates, five aspirants have just begun their first year of discernment in the Permanent Diaconate Program. "The journey to ordination as a Permanent Deacon begins with a year of “Aspirancy” or discernment, followed by three years of formation guided by the pillars of Theological, Spiritual, Pastoral, and Human development," explained Deacon John Walsh, chair of the Permanent Diaconate Formation Council.

Here is the list of the aspirants who have embarked on this path:

• Kingsley Abdul (Spouse: Bukola) – Our Lady of the Assumption, Calgary
• Florian Bernardo (Spouse: Ydelle) – St. Albert the Great, Calgary
• Stephen Doyle (Spouse: Linda) – Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore
• Lars Duck Chief (Spouse: Jocelyn) – Holy Trinity, Cluny
• Paul Smith (Spouse: Deborah) – St. James Parish, Okotoks

These men have now taken their first steps on a journey that will shape their lives as they discern God’s call to serve as deacons within the Church. As they begin this important path, let us remember them in our prayers. 

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For more information about the Permanent Diaconate program, visit catholicyyc.ca/permanentdiaconate

Photography by Victor Panlilio, for the Permanent Diaconate team.