‘Bringing Jesus to the people is a wonderful feeling and something that is at the very heart of the diaconate’
By DEACON ADAM COX
Special to Catholic Times
MARYVILLE — When I was lying face down on the marble floor of the Cathedral seven months ago, I had no idea what the life of a deacon was going to look like. My very first time serving as an ordained deacon was with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki on ordination day. I have never been more nervous in my life, but he is very understanding, and I got through it. In a short period of time, I have become more confident in my role at Mother of Perpetual Help, my home parish in Maryville, and so far, becoming a deacon has been spiritually rewarding.
It would be misleading to say that everything is always easy, but God continues to provide me strength and bless me abundantly. Some things that I do as a deacon were the same things I did prior to ordination, like helping distribute holy Communion, and while I don’t lector anymore, I do proclaim the Gospel to the people. I also get to do new things such as give homilies, offer blessings, assist with baptisms, and was recently interviewed by a family for a school project. I’m grateful for all the opportunities that have been offered since ordination, but nothing compares to distributing holy Communion to the people of the parish inside and outside the church.
Bringing Jesus to the people is a wonderful feeling and something that is at the very heart of the diaconate. The reverence that I see from the people has been very humbling. It always brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. Shortly after ordination I was given the opportunity to take Communion to someone at their home and God showed me what true love of the Eucharist is. This person was unable to speak and was very weak, but as I said the words “the Body of Christ,” I could see the love in this person’s eyes. My heart was so moved by this expression, and I could feel the love of Christ in the room with us, a truly indescribable moment, one that I will never forget! I realized at that moment, in a new way, the joy of being used by God to help minister to the people.
I’m still new in my life as a deacon, but I have many years ahead of me, and I hope God continues to use me in my life of service to others. I could have never imagined the peace that my heart feels in my new role and the journey of getting to this point was a learning experience. I’m often reminded that the learning experience and journey are ongoing, but hopefully I can use this in helping me not grow stale in my ministry to others.
It was easy to think during formation that eventually I would be ordained, and the formation would stop or at least slow down, but that is not the case. I’m finding that the formation has grown more intense, and I appreciate it more than ever. I also realize this is true for other aspects of my life: my marriage, my relationship with my kids, and the relationships with the people at my parish. I must continue to let God form me. When formation stops, I stop growing spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. To be effective in my ministry to others, I need to be open, honest, and be willing to adapt to where people are at in their lives, not mine. Seven months ago, I had no idea what the life of a deacon would look like, and I don’t think I’m any closer now, but my formation is only beginning and always changing.
Deacon Adam Cox serves at Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Maryville.
Thinking about becoming a deacon?
Applications for the permanent diaconate in our diocese are being accepted at this time. Permanent diaconate formation begins in the fall of 2022.
“My advice to men is pray and discern,” said Deacon Dave Sorrell, director of the Office for the Diaconate. “I know there are many men discerning a call to vocation. I simply ask them to continue their prayer of discernment if God is calling them to a vocation as a permanent deacon.”
Deacon Sorrell also says that in addition to prayer and perhaps most importantly, men should include their wife and family in their prayer and have an open and candid discussion. They should also consult their pastor and if a deacon is ministering in the parish, seek him out as well. The pastor and deacon will be most helpful in the discernment process. The deacon and wife will be very helpful in identifying the blessings and challenges of formation and ordained life.
The permanent diaconate is open to men between the ages of 32 and 57, who are active in the practice of our faith, and who desire to grow in their relationship with God and in their service to the Church. If interested, email Deacon Sorrell: . You can also visit dio.org/diaconate.