Viterbo Director of Campus Ministry Emilio Alvarez will be one of six ordained to the permanent diaconate at a special Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse. A reception will follow at the La Crosse Center. Viterbo community members are invited to attend both events.

“It was God calling me,” Alvarez said of his decision to become a Deacon. “I have always felt drawn to serve our community, the people in our lives, and the Church.”

A Deacon is an ordained minister in the Catholic Church whose responsibilities include liturgical duties at the altar, the preaching of the Word, and a focus on the ministry of charity and service. To become a Deacon requires five years of formation, study, and discernment. Alvarez will be assigned to Viterbo’s San Damiano Chapel.

“I’ll be able to help our friars in their ministries,” said Alvarez, who will also eventually take on more administrative work for the campus and Chapel.

“Please join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to Emilio,” said Viterbo President Rick Trietley. “Becoming a Deacon is a tremendous accomplishment, and he will be a great asset to our friar priests, the Diocese of La Crosse, and the campus community. Having a Deacon at the university also further demonstrates our care and commitment to the university’s Catholic identity. Thank you, Emilio, for your service to Viterbo and the Church.”