On December 22, 1900, Hồ Ngọc Cẩn was appointed as Sub-Deacon. At this time, Hồ Ngọc Cẩn changed his birth name from Hồ Ngọc Ca to Dominic Mary Hồ Ngọc Cẩn. On February 2, 1902, Seminarian Hồ Ngọc Cẩn was awarded the position of Deacon.