by Michael Rizzo
JAMAICA — “Hearing the call, embracing the sacrifices, and eager to serve.” These words echoed throughout St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church on May 2, as 11 men were installed into the ministry of acolyte during a special Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Neil Tiedemann. The liturgy marked a significant milestone in their formation toward ordination to the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Brooklyn, expected this coming November.
The installation brought together men of diverse backgrounds and ages, each responding to a unique call to serve. Among them was Dowill Garcia, 41, of Blessed Sacrament-St. Sylvester Parish in Cypress Hills—the youngest of the group. “I see myself like a tool in God’s hands,” Garcia said. “Whatever the needs are, I’m willing to accept the call and do whatever it takes to please God.”
Also installed were Jose Arias, Matthew Bonvento, Carlos Bueno, Mark Garcia, John Muldoon, Jean Nduwimana, Krzysztof Niewiadomski, Carlos Valencia, George Mougias, and Frank Kazlausky, 65, of Holy Trinity Church in Whitestone, the eldest of the cohort. Reflecting on his journey, Kazlausky said, “It feels like the whole thing—the good and the bad in my life—is all tied together and brought me to this place where I can help people that are in trouble. I can be more empathetic. I can be more supportive.”
The ministry of acolyte is the final step before diaconal ordination. After years of theological study, spiritual formation, and personal discernment, acolytes are entrusted with assisting at the altar during the Eucharist. While they do not yet preach or proclaim the Gospel, their role is vital in preparing them for the fuller ministry they will assume as deacons.
For George Mougias, a parishioner of St. Nicholas of Tolentine who converted to Catholicism after being raised in the Greek Orthodox Church, the path to this moment has been deeply transformative. “There was a lot of doubt in the beginning,” he admitted, “but the support of my wife and family kept me going.” Reflecting on his formation, Mougias added, “If you don’t have the Holy Spirit, being in grace, then you cannot apply it to the point of bringing others to Christ.”
The installation Mass was a moving celebration, attended by approximately 200 family members and friends. Twelve diocesan priests concelebrated the liturgy. During the rite, each candidate came forward, knelt before the bishop, and together they held a chalice as the men vowed to be worthy servants at the table of the Lord.
Father Joseph Gibino, diocesan vicar for evangelization and catechesis, closed the celebration by honoring the wives of the newly installed acolytes. He invited them to stand and be recognized for their essential support throughout the years of formation.
Danielle Bonvento, wife of new acolyte Matthew Bonvento, smiled proudly as she posed for photos with her husband and their two children after the Mass. “It makes me so proud,” she said. “There have been sacrifices—time apart, stress—but becoming a deacon brings us closer together. It’s a bond we share.”