“The Holy Spirit stirred in my heart”

Faithful Catholic men interested in taking their love and service of the Lord to the next level are invited to consider if God is calling them to become a deacon. 
 
Deacon Norm Mejstrik, the archdiocesan director of the permanent diaconate, said ordained deacons "serve God's people in ministries of charity, word and liturgy in communion with the bishops and his priests."
 
He pointed out that deacons are Catholic men of high moral character, prayerful, attentive to the Word of God, actively involved in ministry and between ages 35-65 at ordination. A few deacons in the archdiocese reflected on their decision.
 
Deacon Jorge Pereira of Saint Monica in Edmond said he didn't make the decision on his own.
 
"God lovingly guided me to that end," he said. He also recalled an invitation from a deacon to accept the challenge. In the end, he knew it was the right thing to do.
 
 "The Holy Spirit stirred in my heart and gave me the grace to trust in God’s plan for me," Deacon Pereira said. 
 
Deacon Thomas Phan of Saint Charles Borromeo in Oklahoma City has a similar story. 
 
"I had mixed feelings of joy and hesitation to accept his surprise, free, great gift that I had never dared to think of," he said. 
 
Both men heartily recommend that men prayerfully consider the opportunity.
 
Deacon Phan compared the diaconate to food for the soul.
 
"This is a great opportunity for one to receive blessings and to share them with others," he said. 
 
Deacon Pereira agreed.
 
 "If the diaconate is what God is calling you to pursue in your life, you will never regret saying 'yes' to that call."
 
Deacon Pereira has been a parishioner at Saint Monica for the past 20 years with his wife, Kelli. She also plays a big role in his faithful service.
 
"I could not manage to serve even the smallest part of my diaconate without the help and support of Kelli," he said. "She maintains my calendar and ensures I don’t overextend myself.  She is the first to listen to my homilies and helps me ensure God’s message is effectively preached to the congregation. In short, without my wife’s love, help and support, I could not serve God’s people as a deacon."
 
Deacon Phan fondly looks back on the surprise that changed his life.
 
"For those who follow Christ, and walk humbly with Christ, they will receive even more ‘surprises’ in the future," he noted.
 
Applications for the permanent diaconate will be available from pastors in February 2020. Visit archokc.org/permanent-diaconate for more information.
 
Steve Gust is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Formation program
The multiphase formation process spans four years, and is designed for formation in the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions.

Aspirancy
The aspirancy year is a time for discernment. The aspirant and his wife (if married) participate in ten weekend sessions plus a spiritual retreat.

Candidacy
The candidacy period is three years of human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation. There are ten formation weekends and a spiritual retreat each year.

Ordination
At the end of formation, those selected for ordination by the archbishop are assigned to ministry at a parish or other location.
Wives of married deacon aspirants and candidates participate in all aspects of the formation program.
 
Applicant requirements
Eligible applicants are required to meet criteria including the following:
Practicing Catholic for five or more years.
Demonstrated high moral character.
Age 35-65 at time of ordination.
May be married or single.
If married, has been in a stable marriage for at least five years.
 
Application process
Request an application from your pastor.
Complete the application package.
Participate in interviews by the diaconate staff, psychologist and archbishop.
 
First steps
Discuss your interest with your pastor.
Contact the Permanent Diaconate Office.
Ask active deacons about their experience.
Visit archokc.org/permanent-diaconate.