That’s “D” for deacons.

In addition to the ordination yesterday of nine men in Gary, Indiana, St. Louis also saw several ordinations:

Bishop Robert Hermann ordained 11 men to the Order of the Permanent Diaconate at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Lindell Boulevard and Newstead Avenue in the Central West End.

This is the 29th class of permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, which began the program in 1975.

The men are: Rev. Mr. Dennis Barbero, Rev. Mr. Paul Bast, Rev. Mr. Lawrence Clark, Rev. Mr. David Felber, Rev. Mr. Dale Follen, Rev. Mr. Fred Haehnel, Rev. Mr. John Marino, Rev. Mr. Thomas Mulvihill Jr., Rev. Mr. Terrence Pimmel, Rev. Mr. Richard Quistorff and Rev. Mr. Daniel Skillman.

Permanent deacons are ordained clergy who serve in various ministries. Among the deacon’s ministries are serving during the Mass, including proclaiming the Gospel and at times preaching; being an ordinary minister of Communion; officiating at baptisms; witnessing marriages; and presiding at wakes and funerals.

Permanent deacons also minister in hospitals, Church agencies and other related areas.

Many deacons are married men, and many retain their jobs and careers while serving the Church as deacons on a voluntary basis.

The diaconate requires four years of formation after a 12-month screening and evaluation process. The formation program includes academic courses, pastoral courses, field experiences, spiritual formation and an annual retreat. Following that are three additional years of post-ordination formation.

You can find more, plus biographies of the newly ordained, at the St. Louis Review website. Congratulations and welcome, brothers!

PHOTO: by Rebecca Venegoni Tower