Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Bishop Larry Silva recently instituted ten candidates from Cohort 11 into the Ministry of Acolyte at St. Stephen Diocesan Center Chapel. This event, which took place on January 12, 2025, marks a significant step for these individuals as they progress towards ordination to the Order of the Permanent Diaconate in 2027.

The candidates are currently in their fourth year of formation. Their training involves both academic and practical components, preparing them for diaconal ministry. They have been participating in monthly weekend sessions since January 2022 at St. Stephen's Diocesan Center. These sessions include academic instruction provided by Chaminade University, homiletics lab work, and meetings with Cohort 11 Core Team leaders.

In addition to their studies, half of the candidates completed one-year rotations in Prison Ministry and Hospital/Hospice Ministry during 2024, while the remaining candidates will complete theirs in 2025.

Deacon Keith Cabiles and Hazell Cabiles co-direct the Office of Permanent Deacon Formation.

Photo credit: Dann Ebina shows the candidates from left to right: Emilio Macalalad, Peter Gumataotao, Alvin Sniffen, Robert Sean Berg, Cliff Villareal, Julian Taifmai, Jared Zick, Stephen Lee Sr., John Pollard, Barry Danielson.