The diaconate is a call to witness

Permanent deacon candidates gather with family members Feb. 20 at St. Joseph Church, St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parish, Hammonton. (Photos by Lori M. Nichols) My public calendar listed “Hammonton Candidacy, Feb. 20.” I was asked, “What is that?” I suspect many of the faithful are not familiar with the candidacy ceremony. Let me explain. To receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders, which begins with diaconal ordination, a man must be declared a candida…