On June 28, seminarians Neil Atzinger and James Mangan received candidacy at the 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas. This rite does not imply a right to ordination, but is a sign that the church sees positive indications of God’s call to the diaconate at work in a person. Candidates begin a 3-year period of formation and discernment focused on the deacon as a servant of charity, a servant of God’s Word and a servant of liturgy. Assessments of the candidates growth are made on a regular basis.

Both Neil and James will begin studies at the North American College in Rome this fall. Neil graduated from Saline High School before attending St. Thomas University/St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.. He is a member of St. Andrew Parish in Saline. James graduated from Fr. Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor. In 2006 he graduated with a BA from Eastern Michigan University and completed his philosophy requirements at St. Thomas University/St. John Vianney College Seminary. He is a member of Christ the King Parish in Ann Arbor.

Bishop Earl Boyea celebrated the Mass on June 28, Vigil of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Acts 3:1-10; Gal 1:11-20; Jn 21:15-19. A copy of his homily is included here.