H-T Diocese event celebrates deacons

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux invites the faithful to celebrate the Feast of St. Lawrence with a special Diaconate Mass at 6:30 p.m. Monday at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux.
The annual celebration honors St. Lawrence, the patron saint of deacons, and gives thanks for the ministry of permanent deacons who faithfully serve throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.
Deacons proclaim the Gospel, assist at the altar, baptize, witness marriages, preach, minister to those in need, and accompany families through many of life’s most significant moments.
During the Mass, Bishop Simon Peter Engurait will institute five men in diaconate formation into the Ministry of Lector, an important milestone on their journey toward ordination as permanent deacons.
Through this ministry, they are entrusted with proclaiming the Word of God during the liturgy and continue their preparation for a life of ordained service to the Church.
The institution of lector is one of several significant steps in the formation process leading to ordination as a permanent deacon.
The faithful are invited to pray for these men as they continue to discern and answer God’s call.
This is an opportunity to recognize the invaluable ministry of deacons, encourage vocations to the diaconate, and gather in thanksgiving for the many ways Christ continues to serve His people through their witness, the diocese said in its announcement of the upcoming mass.