Nineteen men were instituted as readers, a step in the process of receiving holy orders as a permanent deacon, on June 4 at St. Mary Parish in Helena. Bishop George Leo Thomas celebrated the rite with assistance by Father John Robertson, director of the permanent deacon formation program.

Sister Rita McGinnis, SCL, Chancery Services director and consultant for the program, was the cantor for the evening prayer service. In his homily, Bishop Thomas explained the importance and power of words and urged the deacon candidates to “faithfully represent God’s Word, to know the mind of the Church, to communicate its life and to assist in the ministry of the Word.”

During the rite, candidates came before the bishop individually. As he handed each a Bible, he recited the words of institution: “Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.”

The present deacon formation class began the Aspirant Year in 2008 and received Candidacy in February, 2009. The formation continues into 2012, with a pre-ordination retreat scheduled in May 2012, said Father Robertson.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 26, No. 6, June 18, 2010.


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