SOUTH DARTMOUTH — Eleven candidates studying for the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Fall River will take an important step in their formation when they are installed as acolytes during a special Mass on June 23.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate the Rite of Institution of Acolytes at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in South Dartmouth.

Assisting him will be Deacon Frank Lucca and Deacon Joseph McGinley, co-directors of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Fall River.

The Ministry of Acolyte is the second of two instituted ministries candidates receive as part of their preparation for ordination as permanent deacons. Through this ministry, candidates are called to a deeper service at the altar and assist the clergy during liturgical celebrations, particularly in the distribution of Holy Communion.

The men being installed are members of the Diocese’s eleventh Permanent Diaconate formation class. They have completed four years of academic, spiritual, and pastoral formation and will continue for one additional year before their anticipated ordination as permanent deacons.

The candidates to be installed as acolytes and their parishes are as follows:

• Paul Edward DeMeo, St. Joseph Guardian of the Holy Family Parish, Falmouth
• Peter DeTerra, St. Joseph Parish, Fairhaven
• Mark Paul Fanzoni, Holy Cross Parish, Easton
• Juan Christian Galli, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, New Bedford
• James Ian Johnston, St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown
• David Brian Lima, St. Nicholas of Myra Parish, North Dighton
• George Joseph MacKoul, Christ the King Parish, Mashpee
• John Ross O’Neill, Transfiguration of the Lord Parish, North Attleboro
• Marcos Xavier Echevarria-Parrilla, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, New Bedford
• Mariano Manuel Pimentel, St. John of God Parish, Somerset
• Joseph Michael Sollecito, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Taunton

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
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