21 men ordained as permanent deacons

IC photos by Marie Mischel

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The diaconate candidates prostrate themselves on the altar during the ordination ceremony at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Andy Hunnel (inset) of St. Henry Parish in Brigham City is one of the new deacons.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Most Rev. John C. Wester ordained 21 men into the order of the permanent diaconate on Jan. 23, urging them to "believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you believe." The deacons will greatly benefit the diocese, he said. "Most of them will be serving in parishes; they’re going to be able to serve God’s people by doing weddings, baptisms, funeral rites, etc. They’re also going to be able to...take some of the stress off the priests" by serving in missions and acting as part of the parish staff, working collaboratively with the local pastors, he said.