Three men took the first ritual step toward becoming deacons in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.
Bishop Mark celebrated the Rite of Admission to Candidacy on September 19 during the 5:00 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.Â
The three candidates and their wives are Nelson and Shelley Lowes, Richard and Michelle Messina, both members of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown, and Charles and Belinda Williams, who belong to Holy Spirit Parish, Lock Haven.
[Photo: (left to right): Charles and Belinda Williams; Nelson and Shelley Lowes; Bishop Mark; Richard and Michelle Messina; and Deacon Michael Russo, Director of the Permanent Diaconate.]