Mass was held December 8 at which five men were admitted to candidacy for Holy Orders by Bishop Scott Bullock. It took place at Terra Sancta Retreat Center, Rapid City.  The candidates publicly declared their intention to pursue the formal preparation and discernment needed to be potentially ordained members of the clergy. Deacon Greg Sass, director of the Permanent Diaconate said, “The men and their wives have completed the two-year aspirancy period and are currently in the first year of three years candidacy.”  (Left to right) Steve Van Mullem, St. John the Evangelist Church, Ft. Pierre; John Talcott from St. Joseph Church, Spearfish; Eugene Iron Shell, Jr., St. Charles Borromeo Church, St. Francis; Todd Curtis, Our Lady of the Black Hills Church, Piedmont; and Frank Birkholt, St. Anthony of Padua Church, Hot Springs; altar server Stella Curtis and Bishop Bullock. (WRC photo)