An Update on the Latest Diaconate Formation Cohort

By DEACON JOHN HUST

We began the official formation of nine men with their wives in September of 2023. At the time you read this, they will have had five weekends together. Topics covered to date are: Prayer, Theology of the Church, Diaconate Spirituality, Advent Reflection and the Sacraments.

The Diaconate program is five years in length. For the first two years, participants are called Aspirants, and in the final three years they are Candidates for the Order of Deacons. We meet one weekend a month from September through June. This is the fourth class of men discerning the vocation to the Diaconate for the Winona-Rochester Diocese. Men were ordained in 2005, 2009 and 2020. Please keep these men and their families in your prayers. The Aspirants and their parishes are:

Steve Breiter, St. Teresa in Mapleton

Justin Carlin, St. Pius X in Rochester

Tim Clements, St. John Vianney in Fairmont

Arlo Drees, Queen of Angels in Austin

Mark Engesser, Sacred Heart in Adams

Tim Gossman, St. Mary in Chatfield

Julio Letona, St. Joseph in Owatonna

Joe Mytych, Holy Spirit in Rochester

Brian Zogg, St. Theodore in Albert Lea

We are looking at beginning an inquiry phase for a new class for the Diaconate in the fall of 2025. Men who might be interested in the diaconate are encouraged to participate in the diocesan Institute of Lay Formation or a similar program to prepare for the Diaconate. If you have any questions, I would be happy to visit with you. May the Lord bless you this new year!

Deacon John Hust is the Director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester