The Allentown Diocese will accept 52 men - including four from the area - into its sixth class of candidates for permanent diaconate during a Mass to be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

The four area residents are Joseph Cannon of Lansford, James Warnagiris of Weatherly, Joseph Wilhelm Jr. of Lehighton and Edward Girard of Coaldale.The Most Rev. John O. Barres, Bishop of Allentown, will preside at the acceptance Mass.A permanent deacon is a man, 35 or older, married or single, who is called to lead a life of service and spiritual leadership, according to the diocese. In a release, it said, "A deacon is called to proclaim and live the Word of God. He may preach, be involved in adults' and children's religious education, work in campus ministry or conduct marriage and family enrichment programs. The deacons may also baptize, distribute Communion, officiate at wakes and funeral services and preside at prayer services."The permanent diaconate was restored by Pope Paul VI in 1968. In the Allentown Diocese, the first class of permanent deacons was ordained Oct. 16, 1982. Subsequent classes were ordained in 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2006.Unlike a priest, a deacon cannot consecrate the Eucharist, nor can he administer the sacraments of Reconciliation or Annointing of the Sick.Preparation for ordination begins with a one-year Aspirancy period dedicated to vocational discernment, followed by a five-year Candidacy period dedicated to the human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation of the men. The preparation also includes four summer pastoral internships.The current class is expected to be ordained in 2015.