On October 5, 2024, at St. William Catholic Church in Round Rock, Nelson and Michael were accepted as candidates for the diaconal formation by Bishop Joe Vásquez.
At the end of the second year of Aspirancy, each aspirant makes a formal request to the bishop to be entered as a candidate for diaconal formation. With the recommendation of the formation staff and the Admissions and Scrutinies Committee, the bishop formally accepts the aspirant as a candidate for the diaconate. The Candidacy period comprises approximately 3 years of rigorous academic, spiritual and pastoral formation for the candidates. After the first year of Candidacy, the candidates are formally instituted by the bishop as lectors. After the second year of Candidacy, the candidates are formally instituted by the bishop as acolytes. Candidacy continues for a third year culminating in a review by the bishop and preparation for ordination. The Candidates will formally petition the bishop in writing for ordination.
Please pray for Nelson and Michael as they continue in their formation in the diaconate program.