Bishop Deshotel to ordain two classes of permanent deacons

Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette will ordain the latest class of deacon candidates to the permanent diaconate in two separate ceremonies which are scheduled for May 21 and June 4, 2016. Both ceremonies will take place at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on their respective dates.
The reason for the two ceremonies is to better accommodate the large anticipated number of family members and friends who wish to bear witness to their loved ones being ordained to the permanent diaconate. A total of 23 men, including one Ville Platte’s John Bennett Soileau, are scheduled to be ordained. Those men are:
May 21: Scotty Baudoin, José Vicente Blanco, Wynard Boutté, Francis Cao, Michael Crain, Guy Kilchrist, Brian Kirk, Dennis Landry, Barry LeBlanc, Joshua LeBlanc, Barney Lejeune and Durk Viator.
June 4: Marty Cannon, Ron Chauvin, Joseph Liuzza, José Luna-Becerra, Shawn Melancon, Steve Rogers, Sammy Russo, John Bennett Soileau, Cliff Tanner, Coby Thomas and Doug Wimberly.
Those with internet access may enjoy live stream coverage of the ordinations by visiting www.diolaf.org and clicking on the link which will be provided there on the day of each ceremony.
The role of the permanent deacon is to serve in communion with the bishop as well as the priests of the diocese. Upon their ordinations the men will receive assignments from Bishop Deshotel, appointing them to serve in various church parishes throughout the diocese.
As ordained ministers of the Roman Catholic Church, permanent deacons are granted the necessary faculties to administer baptism and sacramentals; officiate at marriages, funerals, and burials; bring Viaticum to those who receive the sacrament of the sick, and serve as custodians of the Eucharist.
They are also permitted to proclaim the Gospel, and to instruct and exhort the people through their words and lifestyle. They may assist through their service to the sick and the poor; through their leadership in social works, education, and family life; in ministry to the youth as well as the elderly; and in administrative roles.