Deacon candidates become instituted lectors
by Diocese of Des Moines | October 27, 2026
“Take this Book of Holy Scripture, be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His people.” (From the Institution of Lectors - Roman Pontifical 2012)
Bishop William Joensen said these words to each diaconate candidate during the Rite of Institution of Lectors on Saturday, Oct. 17, during the 4 p.m Mass at St. Ambrose Cathedral.
One by one, the 18 permanent diaconate candidates were given a bible, responding “Amen” to the bishop, promising to live out and share the powerful message of its ancient Scriptures. The rite is the latest milestone achieved in the candidate’s journey to ordained ministry in the Church, as the 18 men are on track for ordination as permanent deacons in the summer of 2028.
What is an Instituted Lector?
An instituted lector is a person who has received the permanent, liturgical ministry of Lector through a formal rite called institution, which is presided over by a bishop. As distinct from the typical parish reader, these men will now exercise this ministry in a permanent way.
According to the Church’s Law and practice, the instituted lector is charged with proclaiming the readings from the Sacred Scriptures (except for the Gospel), announcing the intentions in the Prayer of the Faithful (in the absence of a deacon), and reciting or singing the responsorial psalm if there is no cantor.
Deacon Matt Halbach, the diocesan director of Diaconate Formation, encouraged the 18 men during a recent formation study day “to always prepare the readings properly, practice the right diction, right pronunciation, pausing at periods and commas." He encouraged the men to truly understand and believe what they are reading. Hearing the Word of God proclaimed person to person has a profound impact to our spirituality as Catholics.
The candidates for the Permanent Diaconate Class of 2028 are:
- Marco Balmaceda, St. Anthony, Des Moines
- Jodi Bermel, Assumption, Granger
- Kevin Campbell, St. Michael, Harlan
- Richard Chamberlin, St. Augustin, Des Moines
- Michael Clyde, All Saints, Des Moines
- David Dufek, St. Boniface, Waukee
- John Fisher, St. Mary/Holy Cross, Elkhart
- William Gerhardt, Our Lady's Immaculate Heart, Ankeny
- Gordon Graham, St. Elizabeth Seton, Carlisle
- Logan Helton, St. Brendan, Leon
- Ernesto Lemus, Corpus Christi, Council Bluffs
- Troy Marlow, Ss. John and Paul, Altoona
- Martin Nawl, St. Ambrose, Des Moines
- Jose Santos, Christ the King, Des Moines
- Edward Sitzmann, Sacred Heart, West Des Moines
- Christopher Smith, St. Francis of Assisi, West Des Moines
- Patrick Tinley, St. Patrick, Council Bluffs
- Craig Wilson, St. Francis of Assisi, West Des Moines
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