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Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Seminarians take steps toward priesthood
Published: April 17, 2026
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is installing eight Diocese of Little Rock seminarians as candidates, lectors and acolytes as part of their journey toward priesthood during special Masses in May at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock.
The bishop will celebrate the Admission to Candidacy Mass Saturday, May 2 at 4:30 p.m. for seminarians Ryan Carlson, Nghiep Hoang and Benjamin Keating. The admission to candidacy will be conferred on those who have demonstrated the necessary qualifications for ordination.
He will celebrate the Installation of Lector Mass Saturday, May 9 at 4:30 p.m. During the Mass, Pedro Alvarez, Andrew Schaefer and Steven Wilson will be installed, allowing him to proclaim the Word of God during liturgies and catechize the faithful.
Bishop Taylor will celebrate the Installation to Acolyte Mass Saturday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m. to install seminarians Phillip Necessary and Samuel Stengel as acolytes, allowing them to serve at the altar during Mass, assist in the purification of Communion vessels and take holy Communion to the sick.
These events are sponsored by the Vocations and Seminarians Office. For more information, email Georgina Peña or call her at (501) 664-0340, ext 353. To learn more about the seminarians, visit the seminarian directory. Read a vocation story for a seminarian by clicking on their photo.
