Hawaii is closer to gaining 10 permanent deacons after the candidates in Cohort 11 participated in the rite of acolyte Mass Jan. 12 at St. Stephen Diocesan Center in Kaneohe. Bishop Larry Silva presided. The men in Cohort 11 are, from left: Emilio Macalalad, St. Damien of Molokai; Peter Gumataotao, Holy Trinity; Alvin Sniffen, Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Robert Sean Berg, St. Anthony, Kailua; Clifford Villareal, Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Julian Taifmai, St. Joseph, Hilo; Jared Zick, St. Elizabeth; Stephen Lee Sr., St. Ann, Kaneohe; John Pollard, Sacred Heart, Hawi; and Barry Danielson, St. Jude. (Courtesy Dann Ebina)