SLICEof LIFE (Future) joyful Catholic leaders

Archbishop Bernard Hebda, right, enjoys a light moment in the sacristy of the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis May 13 with 11 men preparing to be ordained transitional deacons for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Among the ordinands are, from left, Michael Panka, Nicholas Vance, Ryan Sustacek, Francis Floeder, Sean Mulcare, Alexander Rasset, Philip Conklin (behind Rasset, partially visible) and Christopher Yanta. “We’re thrilled to send such a large class into its final year of seminary formation,” said Father Joseph Taphorn, rector of The St. Paul Seminary. “But it’s also just as important to note each of these men has discerned his call well, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and seminary leadership. God willing, these joyful Catholic leaders will ensure thriving parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for generations to come.” Not pictured are Brent Bowman, Derek Gilde and Hjalmar Blondal Gudjonsson. This year’s class is the largest since 2004, when 15 men were ordained transitional deacons.