On Sunday, Aug. 18, nine men participated in formal rites towards ordination as permanent deacons in a Mass celebrated by Bishop James P. Powers at St. Anthony de Padua Parish in Tony. Pictured left to right are (front row) Robin Major, Tim Mika, Dan Kohler, Jeff Mason, Russell Creel; (middle row) Steve Welter, Pat Gierl, Pat Haines, Rod Knight; (back row) Dcn. Owen Gorman, Bishop Powers, Dcn. John Grek. The four men left of the bishop received the Rite of Acolyte; last year, they received the Rite of Lector. They are beginning their final year of formation in preparation for ordination as permanent deacons in August 2020. The five men to the right of the bishop received the Rite of Candidacy. After a pre-requisite coursing of the School of Servant Leadership program and two years of aspirancy, these men are taking the next step of three-year candidacy with more concentrated formation. (Submitted photo)