Ordained: 2013 in the Diocese of Richmond
Family: Married to Mary Catherine (Cathy) Mueller. Two Daughters: Gabrielle Mueller and Sarah Mueller
Profession: Retired from 28 years of service in the Army and 14 years in US Government Service. Now write for Missio Dei and other Catholic publications.
Home parish: St. Joan of Arc Parish, Yorktown, Virginia
Assigned parish: Holy Redeemer by the Sea, Kitty Hawk, NC
Hobbies: Travel, reading, writing, hiking, and the beach
When did you first consider a vocation to the permanent diaconate?
I began to consider a vocation in the Permanent Diaconate while on active duty in the Army. Once I retired, many in my parish began to approach me and ask me to consider the diaconate.
What is your favorite part of being a deacon?
Really everything! I especially enjoy catechesis (especially the youth and RCIA) and the celebration of the sacraments of baptism and matrimony.
What would you say to someone considering the permanent diaconate?
Discern God’s will through prayer and be open to any answer. It is a commitment, but the rewards -- both earthly and heavenly -- are immense.
Who is your favorite saint and why?
My favorite Saint is St Thérèse of Lisieux. She has a beautiful, deep, and very simple way of understanding God as Father and a Father. Her “Little Way” really describes how I desire to live my life in relationship to God and minister to others.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you or the diaconate?
It has been the greatest blessing of my life!