Three men who are preparing for ordination to the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown were instituted by Bishop Mark Bartchak in the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte.
The celebration took place during the 5:00 p.m. Mass on October 3 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.
The Rite of Institution of Lectors and Acolytes began after the homily.
Candidates Daniel Heiser and Brian Yurky were each called forward to receive from Bishop Mark the Bible, designating them lectors.
Candidate Mark Komula then came forward and was handed the chalice and the paten containing the hosts that were to be consecrated during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, designating him as an acolyte.
Komula, who will complete his formation journey this spring, will be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on June 5, 2021, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. He and his wife, Janis, are parishioners at Saint Peter in Someret.Â
Heiser and his wife, Alison, are members of Saint Joseph Parish in Renovo. Yurky and his wife, Bonnie, belong to Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Philipsburg.
Continued blessings to the candidates, their wives, and their families.
[Photos: (Top) Bishop Mark; Dan and Alison Heiser; and Deacon Michael Russo, Director of the Permanent Diaconate. (Middle) Bishop Mark; Brian and Bonnie Yurky; and Deacon Russo. (Bottom) Bishop Mark; Mark and Janis Komula; and Deacon Russo.]
