The eight men who are candidates for ordination as permanent deacons of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey in the Class of 2026 in May listened to two speakers impart valuable insights to help them in their future ministry on March 7 during a session at St. Paul Inside the Walls Center for Evangelization in Madison, N.J.
Deacon Brian Beyerl, who serves Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J., and is a retired neurosurgeon, spoke about balancing family and work with diaconal ministry.
Father Nico Quintos, pastor of St. Ann Parish in Parsippany, N.J., and diocesan minister to retired priests, spoke about pastoral counseling. He is pursuing a master’s degree in counseling from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.
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The candidates asked the speakers questions after their talks. Several of the men’s wives also attended the event. Deacon William Ruane of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Randolph, N.J., who is director of the diocesan Permanent Diaconate, and Deacon John Mihalko, also from Assumpton, the candidates’ formation team leader, introduced the speakers.
The March 7 event was one of the Saturday sessions held monthly by the Permanent Diaconate Office in addition to the candidates’ academic formation classes. Prior Saturday sessions during this academic year, their last, covered liturgical instruction, including assisting at Mass and at funerals and weddings, and administering the Sacrament of Baptism.
Following a final review by the diocese, the candidates anticipate being ordained permanent deacons by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney on Saturday, May 30, in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J.
