Ordained: May 19, 2007 in the Diocese of Brooklyn at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
My Family: Wife and my best friend for the last 40 years, Barbara; my children: Anthony, Kimberly and Samantha. I also have a very deep family connection to all my friends as well as my parish family.
Profession: Retired Senior Court Clerk, Kings County Family Court; Former Director of Faith Formation, St. Finbar Catholic Church, Brooklyn.
Home Parish: Saint Finbar Catholic Church Brooklyn, New York, for 65 years of my life.
Assigned Parish: Saint Eugene, Wendell, North Carolina, where I have been welcomed with open and loving hearts.
Hobbies: I enjoy gardening, reading and spending time with family and friends.
When did you first consider a vocation to the permanent diaconate?
I always considered a vocation, as a child I always wanted to become a priest; however I realized that God had other plans for me when I met my wife. After many years of volunteering in my parish and at the suggestion of a former pastor, I began to pray over a vocation to the Diaconate. Feeling the call, I submerged myself into the program until I was ordained.
What is your favorite part of being a deacon?
I enjoy every aspect of being a deacon, however, I feel that I most enjoy being with the people of God and ministering to their needs. This may come in many forms, administering the sacraments to them, praying with them at a time of distress or sorrow, or perhaps talking with them and sharing our life’s joys and sorrow. Together we see that everyone of us needs a companion along this journey we call life.
What would you say to someone considering the permanent diaconate?
I would encourage them to speak to their family, to speak to other deacons and to speak to their pastor. Above all, I would encourage them to pray and listen to their heart, soul and mind for God’s calling. I would also tell them that diaconate ministry is not limited to parish liturgies or parish activities, but it should be carried forward in our home life, workplaces and daily life. Also to remember that faith is the key to success.
What surprised you the most about the permanent diaconate?
How easy it is to respond to God’s call when you listen and answer Him. The kindness and generosity of God’s people. I was extremely nervous when I first was ordained. I remember saying to myself and to God, "What have I gotten myself into?" I was a quite shy person, and now I am thrust into the limelight and asked to preach in front of a congregation, many of whom have known me since I was a child. I was asked to chant the Exulte that first Easter; I remember thinking they want me to sing. “Oh my God what are you asking me to do?” Everyone is going to run out of church, but soon my fears were whisked away by the encouragement of the priests, my family and the congregation, who by the way did not run out of church.
What is the most joyful revelation you’ve had about the diaconate since your ordination?
Watching myself grow with others to whom I minister. Growing in our love for God and feeling God’s awesome presence in everyone I meet and minister to. Feeling like I’ve made a difference by bringing God into another’s life, and they make a difference in my life everyday as I see God work through me; yes, little old me, doing what God asks of me.
What is your favorite scripture passage?
Matthew 5:1-12, the Beatitudes. This passage reminds me every time I read or hear it how blessed we are if we measure our lives in heavenly measures not earthly measures or desires. Our hearts, minds and souls should be focused on gaining our way to heaven, not accumulating earthly goods. This does not mean that we should not provide for ourselves or our families, but that we should also remember there are those less fortunate than us that need our help, whether that help be financial, spiritual or befriending them. We should count our blessings and should always be grateful, for God will always provide us with what we need and not what we desire unless that desire is to praise and glorify Him through our words, actions and deeds.
Who is your favorite saint and why?
There are so many wonderful saints to choose from but I would say two of my most favorite are St. Peter and St. Paul. St. Peter because he reminds me that no matter what my faults are God still loves me and has a mission for me to accomplish. After all, Peter denied Christ three times, and Christ still appointed him leader of the church. St. Paul because he reminds me that conversion is not a one time thing; it is an ongoing process. His letters, which form part of our Epistles, are filled with words of encouragement to follow the ways of Christ, which always lead us to God the Father.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you or the diaconate?
I try to lead a simple life, a life filled with the goodness of the Lord. That is not to say that I am perfect, for I most certainly am not. I am far from perfect, but I strive to live a life filled with faith and to teach by example rather than to point fingers. I know that there are times when I fall, just like Jesus fell three times on the road to Calvary; but like Christ, I must never give up, we must never give up, we must continue along our journey encouraging others by our examples and sharing with them the love Christ shares with us.