Deacon Paul's Journey to the Diaconate

     My faith journey has taken many turns over the years. As a teenager, I was an altar server and loved being at Mass. But toward the end of freshman year of high school, I struggled with the “rules” of the faith and stepped away from the Church, believing I could find my own path. For the next 15 years, I thought I was walking alone, though God was quietly guiding me the whole time.

     Things began to change after I married my wife, Barb. She had a strong faith and gently encouraged me on my journey. Even though I wasn’t enthusiastic at first, I was open. The birth of our son, Brian, helped me see more clearly that God was real and active in my life. In 1996 we moved to New Jersey and joined Immaculate Conception Church (ICC) in Annandale. Through Barb’s encouragement to join faith-based activities—couples’ groups, men’s groups, and more—I gradually became more comfortable developing a relationship with Jesus. ICC became the place where I finally allowed Jesus a central place in my life. A retreat called Cornerstone led to a powerful conversion experience, and serving on the retreat team helped me look back and see how God had protected and loved me, even when I felt far from Him.

     Throughout our time at ICC, I felt a steady call to serve, though I didn’t yet understand what that meant. Life was full with marriage, four children, career changes, and moves, and I didn’t always stop to listen. Looking back, I believe God was first inviting me to nurture my family and grow in faith. Still, the desire to serve remained on my heart.

     In 2013, at age 51, God surprised me. During a long drive to help my daughter after surgery, two songs kept speaking to me and stirred a deep sense that God was calling me to something more. On the way home, a friend called to say that the upper age requirement for the diaconate had just changed from 50 to 55. The door I thought was closed had suddenly opened.

     When I returned home, Barb and I talked and prayed about this new possibility. Without her unwavering support and encouragement, I’m not sure I would have persevered. After saying yes to the call, I entered seven years of discernment, study, and formation. Throughout this journey, Jesus and Barb were my constant companions, and each year strengthened my desire to serve Christ and the Church.

     On June 13, 2020, I was ordained to the diaconate with eight other men in Philadelphia. It is a blessing to serve the parish community, and I am grateful every day for the patient and persistent call of Jesus that brought me here.