News

Victor Susai, 63, a native of India who tests software in Eden Prairie and is a parishioner of Pax Christi, had a simple but profound response when asked what inspired him to pursue the diaconate: “Weekly adoration at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Bloomington.”

PHILIP GRISEZ, 56, was inspired to pursue the diaconate after friends from Bible studies and the retreat ministry Cursillo suggested he consider it.

Michael Lane, 61, said after the death of his beloved wife, Tracy, he asked God what he wanted of him. “I told my children that ‘I’m your father, I could be a Father.’ Then the words that entered my head were, ‘No. A deacon.’”

Michael Engel, 49, has felt the pull of the diaconate since entering the Church at age 23 after years of trying to find happiness.

MICHAEL BRAUN, 62, a retired mechanical designer and member of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Maplewood, sees a need for the Church to be more apostolic, more missionary.

JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ, 43, said he had his own plans, “but I told the Lord, if you want me to be a deacon, show me the way, and he did so, because every year (in the formation process) he reaffirmed that was the way through the scrutiny,” an evaluation of his formation with diaconate program leaders.

ADELMO GRACIA, 59, first heard the call to a religious vocation after a prayer group meeting when he was 18.

I have a theory. It is very unofficial. I haven't done any scientific research on it. I wouldn't even know where to begin -- well, especially since I am not a scientist. Here's my theory: Those people who go around the table and say what they are thankful for at Thanksgiving dinner -- they are happier than those who don't.