John Allgaier, 60, credits his wife, Kelly, and God’s grace in helping him balance family, work and study for the diaconate. Recently retired with three adult children, he said he looks forward as a deacon to sharing with the Church the gifts and talents God has generously given him. A parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus in Medina, he is scheduled to be ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Dec. 7 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul. The Catholic Spirit asked him via email about his vocation. His answers were edited for clarity.
Q. What inspired you to pursue the diaconate?
A. My life and calendar were busy with things “of this world” — family, work, activities. All good things, but more my will, not necessarily his will. I am grateful for my gifts from God — beginning with my wife and family. God has a will for all of us. I finally slowed down enough to hear his calling for me to become a deacon.
Q. What made you certain this was your call?
A. I almost immediately felt a peace that this decision was right for me and my family. Many of the barriers and conflicts that I anticipated with family, work and diaconate formation somehow resolved themselves. I came to understand that I was not doing this on my own. I put forward the effort, Kelly unselfishly supported me, and most importantly God cleared the hurdles in our way.
Q. What aspect of diaconate ministry are you most looking forward to?
A. I am looking forward to both my parish and liturgical ministry as well as serving the needs of people in our broader community.
Q. What areas of ministry are you especially interested in?
A. Serving the Lazaruses who live among us.
Q. Where do you see the greatest needs in the local Church?
A. Ironically, as I approach my ordination — I have come to appreciate the value of the laity in our archdiocese. Bishops, priests and deacons are often preaching to those who have already said “yes” to Christ. The laity have the ability to share God’s gifts with others in their homes, workplaces and the broader community. I believe reaching out to those still searching, and confused by the messages in our culture, is the greatest need of our local Church.
Q. What part of your formation has been the most rewarding?
A. The growth in my spiritual life — my relationship with God.
Q. Who has been a model for your ministry?
A. Mother Teresa is a great role model for ministry. Mother Teresa served tirelessly and unselfishly to those in need, while having complete confidence in the Lord during difficult times.
Q. What do you most hope to offer the Church through this vocation?
A. Sharing the gifts and talents that God has so generously given to me.
Q. What has been the most challenging part of pursuing this vocation?
A. Balancing family, work and study. I couldn’t have done it without the strong, unselfish support from Kelly and the grace of God.
Q. What can the Church do to inspire other men to answer the diaconate calling?
A. Remind men that God purposely placed them in this world, at this time and in this place for a reason. Each of us get to discern that reason and his call to us.
Q. What advice would you give another man discerning the diaconate?
A. The advice I received when I was considering the diaconate was to “just start the process, and pray along the way.” You may not be completely confident in the call to become a deacon until you begin the formation process. Through prayer and reflection — you will soon know if it is your calling. Trust the process.
