A milestone for three candidates for the Permanent Diaconate in our diocese.
Bishop Mark formally installed the men as acolytes during a Mass on September 27 at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown.
The candidates are John Fontana, a member of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown; Matt Marafino of All Saints Parish in Boswell; and Wally Zapotozny, who belongs to Saint Joseph Parish in Bellwood.
In their role as acolyte, they will assist the priest and deacon at the altar during liturgical celebrations, serve as a special minister of Holy Communion, and perform other duties such as preparing vessels.
This is the last major milestone in their formation for the permanent diaconate.
God willing, they will be ordained permanent deacons by Bishop Mark in June of next year.
[Photo (left to right): Wally Zapotozny; John Fontana; Bishop Mark; Matt Marafino; and Deacon Michael Russo, Director of the Permanent Diaconate.]
