7 Alaskans progress towards being ordained deacons

CatholicAnchor.org
Seven Alaskans participated in the Rite of Candidacy, part of a five-year formation process as they continue training to become permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

After having completed two years of discernment and formation the men, along with their wives, gathered last month at Holy Spirit Center in Anchorage with Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz who officiated the Rite of Candidacy. It is one of several milestones the aspiring deacons mark on their way to final ordination.

The men are now in the third year of a five-year formation and discernment process. So far they have taken classes in church history, sacramental theology, Christology and ecclesiology, among others. They also participated in Toastmasters to hone public speaking skills for the eventual delivery of homilies.

Upon successful completion of the five-year program, these men will be ordained to the permanent diaconate and assigned parish and social service duties by Archbishop Schwietz. At that time they will serve the archbishop and his priests in preaching the Gospel and preparing the sacrifice on the altar. Additionally, they may preside over public prayer, baptize, witness marriages, bring Holy Communion to the homebound and conduct funeral rites. Unlike priests, however, they cannot consecrate Holy Communion, hear confessions or anoint the sick.

Of the seven men now in formation all are married. As deacons they will be called to remain faithfully married and are called to celibacy if their wife dies.

The men now in formation are Mike Hawker of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Anchorage; Scott Gunnell of Sacred Heart Church in Wasilla; Gus Azpilcueta of Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage; Gabriel Ruiz of Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage; Dan Winters of St. Christopher by the Sea in Dutch Harbor; Ed Sugai of St. Andrew Church in Eagle River; and Mario Lanza of St. Patrick Church in Anchorage.

For information on the permanent diaconate, contact Deacon Mick Fornelli, director of Deacon Ministry & Formation, at mfornelli@caa-ak.org or call (907) 297-7770.