June 13, 2008

Meet our future deacons

Steven HodgesSteven Hodges

Who are the important role models in your life of faith?

My wife, Mary, and my parents have been important examples in my spiritual journey, providing loving support and sharing their faith lives with me. The many priests and deacons with whom I have become acquainted with during my adult life—and especially during my formation—have modeled for me what it means to be a strong and spiritual man committed to serving God and his people.

What are your favorite Scripture verses, prayers and devotions?

Luke 15:11-32 (the Prodigal Son); Mark 2:13-17 (the call of Matthew); John 13:3-14 (Jesus washes the disciples’ feet); the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Deacons often minister to others in the workplace. How have you experienced that, and how do you anticipate doing it in the future?

Since deacon formation began, I have had opportunities to share my faith with, and to listen to, many people with whom I work. Each day, I pray that God opens my eyes and my heart to recognize the needs of those I encounter, and that he equips me and uses me to minister to them.

Why do you feel that God is calling you to become a deacon?

I believe that by choosing to call an ordinary guy [like me], God shows us that we all can make God the center of our lives and do his work. We are all called to love and serve God and each other and, as a deacon, I hope to be a visible sign that we are all capable of answering the call.

How will being ordained a deacon have an impact on your life and family?

God will bless me in incredible ways which will allow me to serve my family better and grow in faith. I recognize that my ministry will demand my time so that it will occasionally be challenging to fit everything in. However, I trust that, through God’s grace, the time that I spend with my family will be loving, fruitful and productive, and that it will strengthen my relationship with them. †

(Go to the Deacon formation homepage)

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