Parishioner, Deacon-candidate Steve Age Nears Ordination

Saint Francis Xavier parishioner, Deacon-candidate Steve Age, along with the other 18 candidates in the Archdiocese of Louisville 2016 Deacon Class were installed to the Ministry of Acolyte by Archbishop Joseph Kurtz yesterday afternoon. The installation Mass was part of the annual Deacon Assembly held at Holy Spirit Church in Louisville. This was the next step in their journey toward ordination on August 27th, 2016.

As acolytes, these men are entrusted with the duties of assisting the deacon and priest at Mass, purifying the sacred vessels, and distributing Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister when needed. In special circumstances an acolyte may be entrusted with publicly exposing the Blessed Sacrament for adoration by the faithful and afterward replacing it, but not with blessing the people. Acolytes can also be called upon to help instruct the faithful in assisting at Mass.

Deacon-candidate Steve, his wife, Shannon, and the other Deacon-candidates and their wives have been in training since July, 2011. Diaconal training in our Archdiocese is provided by the Saint Meinrad School of Theology. The candidates and their wives will complete their training in May, and attend a five day pre-ordination retreat at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in July prior to their ordination in August.

Please wish Deacon-candidate Steve and Shannon congratulations when you see them. Also, please keep the Ages and all of the 2016 deacon-candidates and wives in your prayers during the next year.

Posted by Deacon Gerry Mattingly

Deacon-Candidate Steve Age and his wife, Shannon

2016 Archdiocese of Louisville Deacon Class

                       Deacon-candidate Rick Fagan serving at his first Mass as an acolyte at Holy Trinity Church Fredricksburg, KY this morning.

Archbishop Kurtz installing Deacon-candidate Steve Age as an acolyte

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