The Diocese of Madison celebrated its largest class of men in formation for the permanent diaconate since 2004 during a recent Mass at the oratory at Holy Name Heights in Madison, where six men were admitted to candidacy and one candidate was instituted as an acolyte.

The Mass, which included the Rite of Candidacy and the Institution of Acolyte, marked a significant milestone in their formation journeys toward ordination as permanent deacons.

Family members, pastors, and members of the diocesan diaconate community joined Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison in celebration.

“In aspirancy, you’re discerning the will of God, trying to understand if there’s truly a vocation there,” said Deacon Chris Schmelzer, director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate.

“Then in candidacy, the man says, ‘I am committed to continuing my formation in a very serious manner with an eye on becoming ordained.’”

David Wanta, Christopher Speece, Marc Scott, Michael Kloess, James Debilzen, and Michael Holman completed their first two years of aspirancy and have now formally entered candidacy. William (Russell) Yount, instituted as an acolyte, took the next step in his journey after previously being instituted as a lector.

Deacon Schmelzer compared formation to a relationship.

“When someone is an aspirant, they’re dating,” he said. “But when you are a candidate, you’re engaged. You’ve really committed to seeing the process through.”

The discernment journey

The permanent diaconate formation process begins with aspirancy, which is two years of discernment, followed by three years of candidacy.

During the latter years, candidates are instituted as lector and acolyte, roles that deepen their connection to Scripture, liturgy, and service at the altar.

The Rite of Candidacy is a moment when the Church formally recognizes the man’s discerned call to serve.

“When the Rite of Candidacy happens, it’s really beautiful,” Deacon Schmelzer said. “In a sense, the candidate says to the Church, ‘I offer myself for the good of the Church,’ and the Church responds by saying, ‘And we choose you.’”

The recent Mass took place during the diaconate community’s quarterly conference with Bishop Hying.

Deacon Jeff Bond, who helped coordinate the Mass, said the bishop’s consistent presence and support have strengthened the diaconate program.

“Bishop [Hying] asks the candidates if they resolve to complete their preparation and to form their mind and heart so that they will be able to faithfully serve Christ and His Church,” Deacon Bond explained.

“Then the bishop receives that resolve, saying, ‘The Church receives your resolve with joy,’ and adds, ‘May God, who has begun the good work in you, bring it to fulfillment.’ Those are the same words they’ll hear again at their ordination.”

Continuing formation

For the candidates, this step represents both a deepening of commitment and a more active stage of formation.  

“It’s a really unique opportunity,” Debilzen said. “The Church formally recognizes that there’s a discerned path toward ordination that both I and the Church see. It’s a deeper level of formation now, with more pastoral field experiences in evangelization and catechesis.”

Debilzen said working closely with his parochial administrator, parochial vicars, and parish staff has helped him begin living the diaconate vocation even before ordination.

“We’re learning how we can help fulfill the servant mysteries of Christ,” he said. “That’s really what the diaconate is here to do.”

The formation process also emphasizes family and community. “It’s really important to have a good support system,” Debilzen said.  

“If your wife’s not on board, it doesn’t happen. Your marriage is your first vocation—they always remind us of that.”

Deacon Schmelzer said that the community was on full display at the Mass.  

“It’s the first time we’ve ever had so many pastors come to celebrate with the bishop,” he said. “The deacons and their wives were there, too, so everyone could support the men who are in formation.”

For Yount, who was instituted as an acolyte, the moment brought a deeper awareness of his call to serve.  

“Each one of these steps has been more of a sense of, ‘Wow, this is feeling really real,’” he said. “I’m making a commitment now.”

Yount described how the ministry of acolyte has expanded his understanding of liturgical service.  

“An acolyte serves at the altar,” he said. “He can prepare the altar, bring the gifts, distribute Communion, and purify the vessels. It’s an important role on the road to ordination.”

Beyond the liturgical duties, formation has also deepened Yount’s spiritual life. “My wife and I pray evening prayer together most nights,” he explained. “Learning the Liturgy of the Hours and ordering my day around prayer has really augmented my spiritual life.”

Deacon Schmelzer said the growing number of men entering formation is a sign of renewal in the diocese.  

“We’ve been more proactive in reaching out to men, holding inquiry meetings, and inviting them to discern,” he said. “Bishop Hying’s support has been incredible. He really wants to be connected to his deacons.”

He added that the fruits of formation extend beyond the program. “We’ve had wives tell us, ‘I can’t believe the change in my husband since he started. He’s praying more, going to Mass more, and leading the family spiritually,’” Deacon Schmelzer said. “Even pastors see a change as the men in formation step up to help around the parish.”

For Deacon Schmelzer, the growing interest and commitment among men in formation reflect something deeper.“I really believe the Holy Spirit is working in our diocese,” he said. “Through our bishop, our deacons, and the witness of their families, He’s moving quietly but powerfully to renew the Church through this ministry of service.”