Bishop Walkowiak called six men to candidacy for holy orders on June 9 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. The rite marks a formal moment where the candidates’ intentions to pursue the permanent diaconate are affirmed and supported.
The men are called to candidacy when it has been established that their intentions to become a permanent deacon are supported by the necessary qualifications and they have achieved sufficient maturity in their formation.
Please join us in praying for and congratulating:
Pedro Hernandez from the Shrine of St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Grand Rapids
Jack Mulder from St. Francis de Sales, Holland
Brent Nowak from St. Anthony, Saranac
Blake Prewitt from St. Bartholomew, Newaygo
Marcelino Vicente from the Shrine of St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Grand Rapids
David Yocca from St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids
This group has completed two years of formation. They will continue their academic, spiritual and human formation for another three years. The next step in their process to become permanent deacons is their “Institution as Lectors,” which is scheduled for summer 2026.
Are you interested in becoming a permanent deacon?
You are invited to attend a ‘Discerning the Diaconate’ meeting to learn more and have your questions answered.
Meetings are scheduled for Sept. 8, 2025, Jan. 7, 2026, and May 4, 2026; choose the one that works best for your schedule. The meetings are held at Cathedral Square Center (360 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids) and begin with evening prayer at 6:30 p.m.
The next class of applicants will be formed in the fall of 2027.
Contact Deacon Jerry Roersma, director of permanent diaconate formation. to learn more.
