Just in time for Halloween — and All Saints, of course — Portland ordained new deacons:

In the Year of the Priest, last weekend was a time for deacons.

Archbishop John Vlazny ordained three permanent deacons, Martin Larner, Jr., John Rilatt, and Richard Williams, during a Mass Oct. 31 at St. Mary Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.

In their new roles, the men will preach in the name of the Church, baptize children, lead prayer services, witness marriages and accompany mourners with prayer and compassion at funeral and wake services.

Larner is a retired police officer, and Rilatt serves as a campus minister at Central Catholic High School and volunteer at Holy Redeemer Church in Portland. Williams is a Vietnam War veteran who moved to the Southern Oregon coast in 2004.

They will begin their ministry in Portland, Roseburg and Port Orford.

You can find more at the link, along with biographies of the men.

Congratulations! Ad multos annos!