You never know what people or things God might use to call you.  For me, it may have been a cell phone and Fr. Ronnie.  Fr. Ronnie called me on my cell out of the blue one Friday afternoon. “You got a minute?”(always a loaded question from a priest.)  In any event, he explained that he and Fr. Tim had been talking and for some reason they thought I may be a good candidate for the permanent diaconate.  Frankly, it was not something I had ever given any thought, and I expected that my immediate reaction would be to quickly cast the idea aside.  I told him I would think about it. 

       I have been a member of St. Catherine’s  Parish for my entire life.   I went to school here, my three (3) children went to school here, and my wife, Stephanie, and I have participated in various ministries over the years.  The Church had always been an integral part our family, but I had not spent much time thinking of a more permanent commitment.

       After speaking with Fr. Ronnie, l prayed about it, discussed it with Stephanie, and talked to Deacon Don and a few others.  I found myself open to the possibility that God’s plan for me may be something other than I expected.  

       I attended some of the informational meetings and eventually submitted an application to enter the program and continue the discernment process.  As I go through the journey, each step is part of the process of determining whether the diaconate is what God really wants me to do at this point in my life.  As I have gone through the process, I can truly say that my relationship with Christ has grown more than I ever could have imagined, and for that alone I am truly thankful.  Whether God is calling me to the diaconate is still an open question for me, and I would appreciate any prayers you may have for my continued discernment.

       It is impossible to know how God works through his people to call others; but for me, it might well have been that cell phone call from Fr. Ronnie.  AMDG