Eight deacon candidates instituted as lectors

Eight men preparing for the permanent diaconate were instituted as lectors on Oct. 24 at the Church of the Incarnation in Mantua. The ceremony marked the first formal ministerial milestone for the candidates in the Diocese of Camden.

The Mass also commemorated 50 years of the permanent diaconate in the diocese. During his homily, Bishop Joseph Williams told the candidates that Scripture should transform those who proclaim it. He described the Word of God as essential spiritual nourishment for the faithful and encouraged the men to develop a personal relationship with the Bible.

The men are in a five-year formation process. They are scheduled to be instituted as acolytes in October 2027, with ordination to the diaconate anticipated in October 2028.