Ordained: 2020
Family: Wife, Daphne, married 32 years; two children, Frances and Lesley
Profession: Technology manager with Wells Fargo for the last 3+ years. Prior to this, 26 years with General Electric in finance, risk, operations, quality, and project management in both local and global roles.
Home parish: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta, Georgia
Assigned parish: St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Apex, NC
Hobbies: Any family activity, watching sports and British murder mysteries, reading about presidential history and politics, traveling, listening to contemporary Christian music and trying new foods.
When did you first consider a vocation to the permanent diaconate?
The thought was first put to me in 2005 by the deacon in one of our previous parishes in Brookfield, Wisconsin. I was definitely interested but reluctant to move forward as at the time I had a very demanding work schedule, and both our children were still in school. In 2014, I was again approached by a deacon in our parish in Marietta, Georgia, but by then had just started an intense Master’s Certificate in Catechesis and Youth Ministry. I promised to continue discerning, and when that course was over, after getting the support of my family, I applied for admission to Diaconate Formation.
What is your favorite part of being a deacon?
My favorite parts of being a deacon are the opportunities it provides to serve God and his Church. To borrow the words of St. Pope Paul VI, “It is a life dedicated not to any human ideal, no matter now noble, but to Christ and to His work to bring about a new form of humanity in all places and for all generations” (Sacerdotalis Caelibatus, 24).
What would you say to someone considering the permanent diaconate?
Pray. Continually discern your vocation. Ask God to speak to you. Involve your spouse and family in the discernment process. Test your motives for why you want to become a deacon. Do not be afraid to move ahead with the process. Keep an open mind to whatever happens. When I entered formation, I did not know whether I would be ordained a deacon in 5 years. I was just grateful for the opportunities provided to deepen my knowledge and relationship with God and the Church.
What is your favorite scripture passage?
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Who is your favorite saint and why?
All men and women, who despite their human frailties, strive to imitate Christ and accomplish God’s will in their lives.