A diocese in Delaware is about to gain a new batch of deacons (just in time for All Saint’s Day — and the Advent-Christmas rush that will follow!)

Details:

Fifteen men from throughout Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore will soon become permanent deacons in the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington.
The Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, bishop, is scheduled to ordain the men at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Bear.

The men to be ordained are: Bruce A. Abresch, of Salisbury, Md.; Philip A. Belt, of Dover; Michael S. Boyd Sr., of Smyrna; Francis C. Conway, of Wilmington; John L. Davis, of Chestertown, Md.; Kenneth J. Hall, of Lewes; Sherman Mitchell III, of Hartly, Del.; Larry R. Morris, of Hockessin; Kenneth R. Pulliam Sr., of Bear; Heriberto Rodriguez, of Wilmington; Charles J. Schauber Sr., of New Castle; Robert J. Sprouse, of Rehoboth Beach; James W. Walls, of Lewes; Dennis G. Wuebbels, of Hockessin and Luke E. Yackley, of Perryville, Md.
All of these men are married.

“The Catholic community in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore is blessed that these men have answered God’s call to serve us as deacons,” Malooly said. “With God’s help and their families’ support; each of these men will contribute greatly to building up the kingdom of God in this very important ministry.”

After Malooly ordains them, they will be assigned to serve in parishes and other ministries in the diocese. The new deacons will also assist at Mass by proclaiming the Gospel and preaching. They may also celebrate baptisms, witness marriages and preside over funerals.

“These men have completed an extensive, five-year spiritual, theological and pastoral formation program,” said Dr. Harold D. Jopp, Jr., a permanent deacon and director of the diocesan Office for Deacons. “We celebrate with their wives, families and friends as they begin their service to their parishes, the local Hispanic community, youth or whomever they are called to serve.”

Check out the link for more. (And guys: send along pictures! I’ll be happy to post them after the Big Day.)

Meantime, my prayers and good wishes are with you all.