Ordained: 2010
Family: My wife is Robin; we have three children, Rebecca Perez (husband Ricky), Daniel McIlmoyle, and Katherine Printzenhoff (husband Jason). I have three sisters: Ruth Reiser, Maureen McIlmoyle, and Erin Maxwell.
Profession: I am retired from IBM, where I was a computer engineer working on microprocessor circuit design.
Home parish: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Raleigh, NC, while in formation
Assigned parish: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Louisburg, NC
Hobbies: Hiking, backpacking, cycling, camping
When did you first consider a vocation to the permanent diaconate?
I was a Just Faith participant at St. Francis, and I was involved in the social justice ministries there, specifically in immigration reform advocacy. I became aware that the diocese was holding information sessions for a new formation group in 2004. It was then that I first considered a vocation to the diaconate and discussed it with my wife. We attended an information session at St. Raphael in Raleigh and the room was full! After the information session, which focused on the social justice aspects of diaconal service, my wife and I agreed that I could apply to the formation program.
What is your favorite part of being a deacon?
Learning Spanish and being involved in the life of the community in our parish.
What would you say to someone considering the permanent diaconate?
Each vocation is unique in some way, but my suggestion would be to pray, be faithful to the process, give the best of yourself, and be open and at peace with where God will lead you.
What surprised you the most about the permanent diaconate?
I was not prepared for the demands of the vocation along with my marital, family, job and personal needs and obligations. It took me about two years before I felt I was properly meeting all my obligations. We are blessed, in our diocese, to have a ministry agreement between deacons and their supervisors (pastor or administrator) that helps deacons to make appropriate commitments and not overextend themselves.
What is the most joyful revelation you’ve had about the diaconate since your ordination?
Being involved in the lives of God’s people in joy and sorrow.
What is your favorite scripture passage?
I don’t have a favorite scripture passage, but I like the Gospel of Luke very much because of its emphasis on those in need, women, and the Holy Spirit.
Who is your favorite saint and why?
St. Francis is my favorite saint, I studied and learned about him when we were parishioners at St. Francis in Raleigh. He gets back to basics. He goes wherever he thinks God is calling him. He is not afraid.