An important step for sixteen Catholic men of the Diocese of Lafayette as Bishop Douglas Deshotel conferred the Rite of Candidacy during a Mass at the Immaculata Chapel on Saturday, November 17. These men have been in the "inquiry" phase of the Permanent Diaconate program for the past year, undergoing extensive study, preparation and evaluation by Bishop Deshotel, Vicar for Clergy Father Jared Suire, and Director of the Permanent Diaconate Deacon Jim Kincel. This rite moves these men from aspiring to candidacy into candidacy for the Diaconate. Beginning in January, the group will increase their academic preparation and will spend the next three years as candidates for the Diaconate. One year prior to ordination, they will undergo the Rite of Acolyte and Reader. In addition to their academic preparation, the candidates will also begin hands-on training, in hospital ministry, hospice ministry, ministry to the poor and parish ministry. Diaconate candidates' wives also play a major role in the program. Wives who complete the classes with their husbands are granted a master catechist certification. They also give approval for their husbands to move from one area of the program to the next, as well as approval for the men to move into candidacy. Before their ordination, candidates' wives will be asked to give their approval to the Bishop for him to consider the men for ordination. Congratulations to these outstanding men, and please keep them in your prayers as they continue to prepare for this important role in our Church.