Ordained: 2011
Assigned parish: St. Mark Catholic Church, Wilmington, NC
When did you first consider a vocation to the permanent diaconate?
In 2005 after my Cursillo weekend retreat. Although God had been forming me long before that.
What is your favorite part of being a deacon?
Being a servant to others.
What would you say to someone considering the permanent diaconate?
The formation process takes a long time. Be patient and know God is preparing you for when He needs you, not when you want to be done. Die to your needs during this time. God is in control.
What surprised you the most about the permanent diaconate?
What God called me to do. Which was very different than my plan.
What is the most joyful revelation you’ve had about the diaconate since your ordination?
That God is with me in all that I am called to do.
What is your favorite scripture passage?
The transfiguration of Jesus, Luke 9:33: "As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, 'Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' But he did not know what he was saying."
I would have said something like this. Not realizing the true significance of the situation.
Who is your favorite saint and why?
St. Steven. First deacon and martyr.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you or the diaconate?
Being ordained a deacon transforms you and takes root in your soul. You cannot distinguish between who you are as a deacon and who you are as a person. A true ontological change.