November 2023

While cutting my grass one Saturday morning, I strongly sensed that I should become a deacon. It scared me because the more I tried to forget it, the stronger the feeling became. My wife, Lillian, said we had to sit down and talk. I asked her, “About what?” She said “About you.” “What did I do?” I responded. She said that I was deep in thought about something so we should talk about it. I didn’t know how she would respond, but I told her that I was sensing that I should become a deacon, and that the more I tried to ignore it, the stronger it became. She told me that if I thought that the Lord had put that on my heart, I should call Msgr. Swenson, who was the SCS pastor at the time, and make an appointment to talk to him.

I was apprehensive about that because Msgr. Swenson was a very authoritative person, but I asked him for an appointment to talk about what I was sensing. He said, “My door is open, come on over.” When I got there, he invited me to sit down and make myself comfortable. Then he asked, “You’re scared about this, aren’t you?” I said yes. He asked, “Do you know why?” I just shrugged, indicating that I did not know. He said, “You’re coming to grips with who put that on your heart, and that will humble anybody! He then told me that the Lord wouldn’t put something like that on my heart and then abandon me. “He will be with you every step of the way and give you what you need to accomplish what it is he is asking of you. All he needs at this point is your yes.” Msgr. Swenson was able to articulate what I was feeling. He said he would write a letter
recommending that I should enter formation to become a deacon.

I was ordained on December 13, 2008. What Msgr. Swenson told me was real. I learned that when the Lord puts something on your heart, he gives you what you need to accomplish what he is asking you to do and, more importantly, is with you every step of the way. The diaconate offered varied opportunities for service. When I was ordained, my ministry was at Ozanam Inn. At that time, it was on Camp Street. I would go there on Wednesday nights and have a service in the chapel, reading scripture, explaining it, and relating it to everyday life. I would announce the service while the overnight guests were having dinner, and about eight men would typically come. The men got into it and enjoyed discussing the subject. I would keep Bibles, rosaries, and rosary cards on hand because the men sometimes asked for them.

I served as a deacon in other ways as well. As chaplain at East Jefferson General Hospital, I would bring Communion to patients and visit with them. Lillian and I did marriage prep, visiting with engaged couples and answering their questions. We also were involved with Meals on Wheels, and enjoyed serving in this way; the people receiving meals were always so appreciative! I have also done Baptismal seminars and Baptisms, and am currently chaplain for American Legion Post 377 in Kenner.

My first parish assignment was at St. Louis King of France in Bucktown for a year and a half. The people welcomed me with open arms, and I felt privileged and humbled at the same time. They enjoyed my homilies and visiting with me, and it was a beautiful experience. I was then moved to St. Philip Neri because they needed a deacon. I was there for over 5 years, and the people treated me like family and enjoyed my homilies and visiting with me. Finally, I was transferred to St. Catherine of Siena. When I asked the diaconate office if they had that right, they asked, “What is the problem?” I told them that I lived only 3 blocks from the church. They told me to enjoy it! And that’s what I’ve done.

When I arrived at SCS in 2015, I was treated like family and the parish became my family. I spend time in the adoration chapel from 2 – 3am on Thursday mornings. It’s a special time for me because in those moments, the Lord puts things on my heart. The Lord has a way of doing things so I can understand. He has made known to me how special it is to serve the people because the people are special and they are thirsting for spirituality. I will always be very grateful and humbled by what the good Lord  allowed me to experience. Amen!