Ordained: June 28, 2014
Family: Wife: Teresa (Tish); children: Christopher, Carrie, AnneMarie; 11 grandchildren
Profession: I worked for the Gillette Company in sales for 30 years. I was retired when I started deacon formation.
Home parish: Transfiguration of Jesus Catholic Church, Wallace, NC
Assigned parish: Transfiguration of Jesus Catholic Church, Wallace, NC
Hobbies: Golf, reading
When did you first consider a vocation to the permanent diaconate?
I first thought about the diaconate while living in Franklin, Mass. I started thinking about it seriously when I retired and we moved to North Carolina.
What is your favorite part of being a deacon?
Reading the Gospel and seeing the face of Christ as I look at the congregation.
What would you say to someone considering the permanent diaconate?
Discern where you can serve the Lord outside of your parish. Deacons are called to serve the Church. There are many areas that need our service.
What surprised you the most about the permanent diaconate?
I can’t say I was surprised by anything. We had a good formation program and worked in the parish and outside the parish during formation.
What is the most joyful revelation you’ve had about the diaconate since your ordination?
Serving in prisons, you see how people yearn for the Eucharist. I think many Catholics realized that during the Covid shutdown.
What is your favorite scripture passage?
Matthew 25: 31- 46. Whenever I give a homily at another parish in support of the BAA, I share this passage. You want to know what you need to do to go to heaven, it’s laid out in very plain language.
Who is your favorite saint and why?
St. Peter. I chose Peter as my confirmation name. He was very human but gave his life to Christ. I also have to mention St. Michael. I was born on his feast day and have always had a close bond with him.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you or the diaconate?
I lived in Boston during the sexual scandal. On occasion, it can be difficult to support the Church. I try to remind people that it is Christ’s Church. He promised the gates of hell will not prevail against us. We have to encourage people to have faith that the Holy Spirit is guiding the Church. If we believe that, and practice it, then we will have the peace of Christ in our hearts.