Seminarians take steps toward ordination

Published: March 18, 2016

Seven seminarians from the Diocese of Little Rock took steps toward their ordinations recently. 

Six made their deacon promises at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Indiana.

They are: Michael Johns of Jonesboro; Martin Siebold of North Little Rock; Luke Womack of Hot Springs; William Burmester of Conway; and Stephen Hart and Ramses Mendieta of Little Rock.

The special Mass was celebrated March 3 in the school’s St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. From May 18 to June 2, all six men will be ordained transitional deacons in their home parishes in Arkansas.

In addition, seminarian Jeff Hebert of Little Rock received the ministry of acolyte March 13 at the North American College in Rome. Cardinal James Michael Harvey, archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, conferred the ministry.

An acolyte assists a deacon or priest, primarily in the celebration of Mass. He attends to the needs of the altar and may distribute Communion as an auxiliary minister. He also may be entrusted with the public veneration of the Blessed Sacrament, but does not give the Benediction.

Currently, 38 men are discerning a vocation to the priesthood for the Diocese of Little Rock. If you or someone you know is considering a vocation to the priesthood, contact Msgr. Scott Friend, vocations director, at (501) 664-0340. For more information, contact the Vocations and Seminarians Office.