5/4/21
“Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 1:3)  I am happy to introduce myself to you as an Aspirant in formation to become a permanent Deacon.  I am part of the Class of 2025, along with 13 additional men from other parishes in our Diocese.  I am by no means a saint.   Yet, with infinite goodness and mercy God is gently calling me into a deeper relationship with Him to become who He wants me to be. 

I am a native of Downers Grove and a lifetime a member of St. Joseph Parish.  My wife Julie and I built our current home on the same foundation—literally—that my grandfather built in 1964 for his family’s home.  Our daughter Ellie is about to finish Kindergarten at St. Joseph School.    Some of you may know me from my involvement in various ministries in the Parish.  I have been an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and Lector for over 20 years and serve on the Worship Commission as coordinator for Extraordinary Ministers.  At various times I have also been involved in Shut-In Ministry and Religious Education as a Catechist, RE Board member and board president.  Together, Julie and I are also part of the Baptism Preparation team. 

My first class, Spirituality of the Diaconate, is coming to an end, but my journey to the ordained life is just beginning.   I will be posting regular reflections here during my time of formation.  Sharing my experiences as a husband, father, son, friend, and professional on the road to adding Deacon to my list of identities.  Perhaps you will learn something about the formation process for Deacons.  Maybe you will be entertained.  Or, possibly God might invite you to encounter Him outside the four walls of the Church.   Come. Journey with me.  Let’s discover Him together as He truly is; our hungry, naked, imprisoned, homeless, frail and forgotten King.    

Who is God calling you to be?