The men in diaconate formation who were formally accepted as candidates are from left, back row: David Chavez of St. Peter Parish in Omaha, Chris Peatrowsky of St. Mary Parish in West Point, Fiacres Tollo of St. Pius X Parish in Omaha, and Daniel DeFreece of St. Mary Parish in Nebraska City. Front row, from left: Steven Beller of Sacred Heart Parish in Norfolk, Jamey Kennel of St. Patrick Parish in Gretna, Timothy Cao of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Lincoln, Dr. Demetrio Aguila III of St. Peter Parish in Omaha, Kurt Weidauer of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Omaha, Philip Lenz of St. Patrick Parish in Gretna, Thomas Klitz of Immaculate Conception Parish in Boys Town and John Cronican of St. Joseph Parish in Springfield. FRED WOLSKI PHOTOGRAPHY
Equipping Disciples
Twelve men move forward as candidates in permanent diaconate program
November 19, 2024
Twelve men took a step forward in the process of becoming permanent deacons during a Deacon Candidacy Mass on Nov. 16 at St. Leo the Great Church in Omaha.
After a year of formation in the archdiocese diaconate program, the men were accepted as candidates during a rite celebrated by Archbishop George J. Lucas.
Ten were from the Archdiocese of Omaha. Two were from the Diocese of Lincoln and have been participating in the archdiocese diaconate formation program at the request of Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln.
Formation for permanent deacons takes place over four years. If the men continue in the program as scheduled, they will be ordained in 2027.
SUSAN SZALEWSKI/STAFF
SUSAN SZALEWSKI/STAFF
SUSAN SZALEWSKI/STAFF