The years continue to roll by. This fall Margaret and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. Today I celebrate 19 years as a deacon. The above photo is a little yellow with age, but it shows that Archbishop Justin Rigali (now Cardinal Rigali) did indeed place his hands on my head.
I never imagined where this journey would lead. After ordination I continued my schooling for an additional year. (It is hard to believe that 4 and a half years of classes had not been enough.) Since then, I have been working full time for the Church over these last 18 years. After wrapping up nearly nine years in diocesan ministry in the beautiful state of Wyoming, I am looking forward to returning to parish ministry. I am also looking forward to a little milder climate as I prepare to relocate to the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina.
I never imagined where this journey would lead. After ordination I continued my schooling for an additional year. (It is hard to believe that 4 and a half years of classes had not been enough.) Since then, I have been working full time for the Church over these last 18 years. After wrapping up nearly nine years in diocesan ministry in the beautiful state of Wyoming, I am looking forward to returning to parish ministry. I am also looking forward to a little milder climate as I prepare to relocate to the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina.
Forty-five credit hours of specified theology and religious education coursework prepared the way for my entry into full-time ministry. The "on-the-job" training has been even more immense. Classroom work certainly provided some much needed knowledge on the content of the subjects, but it really did not prepare me fully for the reality of what ministry looks like on a day-to-day basis from a practical standpoint. I guess that is something you almost have to experience first-hand to grasp the magnitude of the messiness of ministry. There are many blessings and joys in ministry, but there are also times when the challenges are quite daunting. I have been fortunate to have worked with some strong and prayerful leaders through the years. These role models have helped me to become a better leader because of their wonderful example. I will always be grateful for the faithful people who have had a hand in shaping my own spiritual journey.
While 19 years have passed since the day of our ordination, we have only lost one member from this picture. Deacon Steve Wohlert died on July 19, 2017. May he rest in peace! Cardinal Rigali is retired. Bishop Sheridan is in Colorado Springs. Bishop Braxton is in Belleville, Illinois.
To my deacon classmates: congratulations on 19 years of service. May God continue to bless each of you in your ministry!
I will be arriving in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina at the end of the month to begin my new role as Director of Religious Education for the parish community of St. Francis by the Sea. If all goes as planned, I am scheduled to preach at the weekend Masses on June 30 and July 1 as my way of being introduced into the parish. I look forward to meeting the parishioners and beginning this new adventure.
To my deacon classmates: congratulations on 19 years of service. May God continue to bless each of you in your ministry!
I will be arriving in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina at the end of the month to begin my new role as Director of Religious Education for the parish community of St. Francis by the Sea. If all goes as planned, I am scheduled to preach at the weekend Masses on June 30 and July 1 as my way of being introduced into the parish. I look forward to meeting the parishioners and beginning this new adventure.
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