Ordained: 2010
Family: I have been married to my wife, Lori, since 1988. We have three children, Derek (deceased), Diana and Dylan.
Home parish: St. Stephen the First Martyr, Sanford, NC
Assigned parish: St. Stephen the First Martyr, Sanford, NC
Hobbies: Refinishing wood, working in the yard, reading, spending time with friends, travelling when able.
When did you first consider a vocation to the permanent diaconate?
After hearing about the formation program from Deacon Pat Snyder.
What is your favorite part of being a deacon?
I love people and enjoy serving others. I have always enjoyed volunteer work and, in time, found ministry to be a natural fit for me. Serving a community of people you love provides me with a joy that is difficult to explain.
What would you say to someone considering the permanent diaconate?
Make sure you are being called to be a deacon vs. “wanting to be” a deacon. This is not a volunteer job; it is a calling. Find someone who will be honest with you and spend some time discerning your interests in pursuing the vocation.
What surprised you the most about the permanent diaconate?
This is a tough question. I believe the most surprising part of the past 11 years is how I can feel like I know what I’m doing at the same time I feel completely unqualified. The Holy Spirit’s willingness to provide me with what I need to help others continues to amaze me.
What is your favorite scripture passage?
I have two: Matthew 25:14-30 and Matthew 25:31-46. I try to live my life by these two parables. The first (Parable of the Talents) reminds me to use whatever gifts God has given me for his glory and not to waste them. This also reminds me that all I have has been given to me by God. The second is the separation of the sheep and goats. This parable reminds me to always look for Christ in others.
Who is your favorite saint and why?
St. Therese of Lisieux because of her “Little Way.” I love the simplicity in the way she viewed God, her role in serving him and the need to remain small.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you or the diaconate?
Being a permanent deacon can be extremely rewarding. It can also be very challenging than you realize based on who you work with. Every priest you serve with has “their way,” and learning to adapt is absolutely necessary. Learning that you cannot be everything to everyone requires humility, wisdom, and patience. Above all, this ministry requires you to have a very solid prayer life and regular participation in the sacraments.