Bishop Louis Tylka stands with new candidates for the permanent diaconate at St. Mary’s Cathedral on March 1. Front row, from left: Michael Rodman, Jose Gutierrez, Michael Boyer, Bishop Tylka, Christopher Pickens, and Mark Landsly. Back row: Andrew Olson, Julian Lopez-Espinoza, Msgr. Philip Halfacre (vicar general), Msgr. Timothy Nolan (episcopal vicar for the permanent diaconate), Michael Eppley, Gregory Massey, and Peter Smudde. (Theresa Lindley/Diocese of Peoria)

The permanent deacons of the Diocese of Peoria gathered for their annual Deacon Convocation March 1 in Peoria.

At the Mass which started the day at St. Mary’s Cathedral, ten men were received as candidates for the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Peoria.

They are:

Michael Boyer of St. Patrick, Washington; Michael Eppley of St. Mary, Downs; Jose Gutierrez of St. Michael the Archangel, Streator; Mark Landsly of Holy Trinity, Bloomington; Julian Lopez-Espinoza of St. Mary, Bloomington; Gregory Massey of Blessed Sacrament, Morton; Andrew Olson of St. Pius X, Rock Island; Christopher Pickens of St. Mary Magdalene, Matherville; Michael Rodman of St. Joseph, Delavan; and Peter Smudde of Epiphany, Normal.

After Mass, the ordained deacons, candidates and their wives adjourned to the Spalding Pastoral Center for a day that began with a Q&A session with Bishop Louis Tylka.

Later, various diocesan standardization measures were discussed for marriage preparation with Jenny Witt, from the Office of Mission Support, and for liturgical worship by Phil Lee, director of the Office of Divine Worship.

CLASS OF 2027

The newly received permanent diaconate candidates are part of the 12th class for the Diocese of Peoria. Diaconal formation is a five-year process.

Up until now, the aspirants have been undertaking three years of prayerful discernment, together with their wives (for those that are married).

They will now commence formal studies toward ordination, with God’s grace, in 2027.