Twelve men who are studying to become permanent deacons for the parishes in Brooklyn and Queens, were admitted as Acolytes June 22 at Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston. Auxiliary Bishop James Massa, Moderator of the Curia, presided. The men are scheduled to be ordained to the diaconate in May, 2017.

The new acolytes and their parishes are:

Rafael Cabrera, St. Martin of Tours, Bushwick;

Alfredo Castellanos, St. Pius V, Jamaica;

John F. DiBiase, St. Margaret, Middle Village;

Joseph Freda, St. Mel, Flushing;

Antonio Gonzalez, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Windsor Terrace;

Kevin Hughes, Our Lady of the Snows, North Floral Park;

Thomas E. Jorge, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Forest Hills;

Kevin McLaughlin, St. Ephrem, Dyker Heights;

Rodrigo A. Mendez, St. Leo, Corona;

Fabio Parra, Corpus Christi, Woodside;

Carlos R. Pichardo, Blessed Sacrament, Cypress Hills; and

Michael Saez, Holy Name, Windsor Terrace.