A Journey of Formation

By Melissa Williams Brown
Contributing writer

GREENSBURG – As priests and deacons from around the Diocese of Greensburg looked on, Bishop Larry J. Kulick called Christopher M. Anderson to be admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders in formation for the Permanent Diaconate and Patrick L. Butler to the Ministry of Acolyte to assist priests and deacons during liturgical celebrations.  Anderson  was admitted to candidacy and Butler was installed at Mass celebrated by Bishop Kulick Feb. 6 at Christ Our Shepherd Center.

Bishop Kulick congratulated the men and told them it’s a “great privilege to say yes to God.” 

“You assist at the altar and must be one who humbles himself completely and fully to Christ,” he said.

Reflecting on the Gospel lesson written in Mark 6:14-29, Bishop Kulick urged Anderson and Butler to follow the example of Saint John the Baptist.

“Saint John the Baptist knew his ministry must decrease as Christ came into the world,” Bishop Kulick said, urging both to allow themselves to decrease and let Christ’s ministry grow in them.
Anderson and his wife Jessica are parishioners of Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish in Fairchance. He is a religion teacher at Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School, Connellsville.  

Butler’s home parish is Church of the Assumption Parish, Coral, where he worships with his wife Gloria. He is employed by UPS.