June 1, 2012

Meet our future deacons

Richard RenziRichard Renzi

  • Age: 53
  • Wife: Julie
  • Home Parish: St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg
  • Occupation: Chaplain at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis

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

The most important role models in my faith formation have been my parents, who stayed true to their baptismal promises by teaching me the Catholic faith. Spiritan Father Adrian van Kaam was a friend and wonderful teacher of formative spirituality. Benedictine Father Bede Cisco facilitated me recognizing my call to the permanent diaconate and responding to it.

What are your favorite Scripture verses, saints, prayers and devotions?

Among my favorite Scripture verses are Matthew 25:34-37, Psalm 25:5, Isaiah 41:10. My favorite saints are St. Augustine and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. My favorite prayers are the Liturgy of the Hours and Lectio Divina.

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

Hospitals are filled with people who are broken and suffering—and not just people who are physically ill. I am called to enter into that, and stand with them as a person of faith and hope.

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

My desire to become a permanent deacon is how God has called me to live the call to holiness in my life. It has been part of an ongoing response to an invitation from God that happened more than eight years ago that neither was self-invented nor-self-invited. It began with an inner call and my response to it that draws me to a life of service.

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

My wife and children have been behind me 100 percent throughout this formation process. Their love, encouragement, support and understanding have been a great blessing. I already see how my ministry and formation have also benefited my family members in their own faith formation. †

 

(Go to the Deacon formation homepage)

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