Dear Editor: Congratulations to the Pastoral Institute’s Class of 2016. Another class of lay ministers is now available to serve the needs of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

As a graduate (Class of 2011), an instructor and mentor to this program, I was brought to tears to see my students commissioned. The program with its rigorous classes, spiritual development and final year working project in the parishes insures that there will be lay individuals available to help in the Church.

Working in this program, I have met a mosaic of Catholics with roots from the whole globe. This program is truly “catholic” or universal, answering Jesus’ call to make disciples of all nations by working together side by side to spread the Gospel.

These graduates should be congratulated for their hard work and answering the call to serve!

RICHARD HUTTER

Glendale