A Journey Toward Ordination and Service

 

This past week at Bennet Lake was a time of prayer, reflection, and preparation. As my wife and I joined ten other deacon-candidate couples, we found ourselves surrounded by the tranquility of creation, allowing the stillness to speak to our hearts. The days were filled with the grace of shared conversations, contemplative silence, and spiritual guidance. We drew closer not only to each other but also to the Lord, who continues to call us into deeper service.

The culmination of this retreat, with the celebration of the Eucharist and the signing of our oath of fidelity before the bishop, was both humbling and awe-inspiring. It was a moment where the weight and beauty of this vocation truly sank in—the responsibility to serve, to be living witnesses of Christ’s love, and to walk faithfully with His Church.

Reflecting on the readings for the readings from Sunday, I see a profound connection between our retreat experience and the wisdom offered in the Scriptures. Proverbs 9:1-6 speaks of Wisdom inviting all to her table, offering nourishment and guidance for a life lived well. This imagery resonates deeply as we prepare to become deacons. We are called to invite others to the banquet of God’s love, offering not merely human wisdom, but the life-giving wisdom that comes from Christ Himself.

The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 34, reminds us to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” During our retreat, the Eucharist became the center of our days, nourishing our souls and inviting us into deeper intimacy with Jesus. 

In John 6:51-58, Jesus declares Himself to be the living bread, the very source of eternal life. As deacons, we will proclaim this truth and guide others to receive this Bread of Life, ensuring that our ministry is always rooted in the Eucharist—the true source and summit of our faith.

St. Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:15-20 to live wisely and make the most of our time struck a chord with me. As we prepare to step into our new roles, it is a call to be vigilant, discerning, and filled with the Spirit. The retreat allowed us to refocus our attention on what truly matters: walking in God’s will, giving thanks, and serving with hearts filled with joy and humility.

This week was a time of transformation. It was a moment to pause and hear Wisdom’s invitation, to experience the Lord’s goodness, and to recommit ourselves fully to the mission ahead. In 19 days, on September 7th, we will finally bring to fruition four years of formation as we are ordained to the diaconate. On that day, we will stand before the Church, receive the laying on of hands, and be entrusted with the call to serve at the altar, proclaim the Gospel, and care for God’s people, especially those most in need.

If you would like to attend this event, I would love to have you there to witness this occasion on September 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Church in Whitefish Bay. 

Please let me know, and I’ll be happy to send you an invitation and ticket. 

Thank you for your prayers and support these last four years—your encouragement has been a great source of strength on this journey.

Have a blessed week!