Ordained: 2012, Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Assigned parish: Holy Infant Catholic Church, Durham, NC
Family:
- Wife, Judith Hill
- Son, Benjamin Hill; Wife: Lisa; Daughters: Noelle and Gabrielle
- Son, Daniel Hill; Wife: Angela; Daughters: Makenna and Alice
Profession: Sr. Sales Executive, Sacoma Specialty Products, LLC
Home parish: St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Columbus, IN; assigned to St. Joseph Parish, Shelbyville, IN (2012-2022)
Assigned parish: Holy Infant Catholic Church, Durham, NC
Hobbies and interests: Scripture study, writing, reading, fishing, college basketball, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Indianapolis Colts.
When did you first consider a vocation to the permanent diaconate?
2004. Applied in 2008.
What is your favorite part of being a deacon?
I enjoy being connected with and engaged in the lives of the people Judy and I are called to serve. We truly believe God places us in their lives for a reason and them in our lives for a reason. Witnessing how those relationships grow and the way their lives are transformed by God’s grace is a marvelous honor, privilege, and blessing.
What would you say to someone considering the permanent diaconate?
Pray, pray, pray and pray some more; especially in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament. As well, daily ask Mother Mary for her intercession and guidance. Spend time daily in silence. Find a spiritual director and meet monthly. If married, communicate frequently and honestly about each other’s concerns related to serving in this role and the challenges of balancing ministry with all the aspects of your marriage and family life.
What surprised you the most about the permanent diaconate?
Losing our anonymity. Dining out, going to movies, attending sporting events are no longer private experiences. As deacons and deacon’s wives, people recognize and identify us as being associated with Church. Becoming public people required a greater adjustment to our personal lives than we expected.
What is your favorite scripture passage?
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:11, NAB).
Who is your favorite saint and why?
St. Augustine of Hippo. Augustine is a marvelous result of the power of the prayers of a loving parent. He is, also, an incredible example that no one is too be bad that the LORD can’t save them. When the LORD does redeem us, what marvelous agents of grace we can become!