53 accepted as candidates for diaconate

Published: September 20, 2024

En Español

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor accepted 53 men to candidacy for diaconate ordination during a special Mass Sept. 14 in Morris Hall Chapel on the campus of St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. These candidates make up the Diocese of Little Rock Diaconate Formation Class of 2028.

During the bilingual Mass, the candidates expressed their intention to be ordained permanent deacons. Previously called aspirants, these candidates have completed their first year of formation to become permanent deacons. 

“Candidacy is the first official step of preparation for the liturgical role in the future," Father Rubén Quinteros, director of diaconate formation, told Arkansas Catholic. But it is also a sign of the candidate's "willingness to learn and teach what the holy Church teaches, and prepare a discerning heart to be attentive to the needs of the people for works of charity."

This five-year, bilingual program is open to Catholic men in good standing with the Church, who will be 35 years old by their ordination date. Classes for the current diaconate formation class began in August 2023. 

Weekend classes are held monthly. The English program is presented by St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana, where many of the diocese's seminarians also receive their priestly formation. Instructors provide in-person courses at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock along with online courses for 11 months a year for five years. Spanish formation is provided by diocesan clergy and laity through in-person courses also at St. John Catholic Center for 11 months a year for five years.

To learn more about these candidates, including why they hope to become deacons, visit our Deacon Formation Directory. For more information about the deacon candidate Mass, visit Arkansas Catholic. If you have questions about the permanent diaconate formation process, contact Father Quinteros in the Diaconate Formation Office at (501) 664-0340, ext. 317.