Hey Deacon
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May 26, 2024It was in June 2007 when I approached Fr. Rick Jones, pastor at Our Lady of the Lake in Branson, and shared with him my interest in the permanent diaconate. It was not something I had only recently been pondering, but a calling that had weighed on my heart for nearly 15 years. I had spoken a few times to former pastors about the diaconate over the years but could not convince myself that I was worthy enough for this ministry.
After encouragement from men in my prayer group, I finally took the initiative, met with Fr. Rick, and began the application process. In September 2008 I began my formal studies. Six years later, on May 24, 2014, I was ordained as a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau by Bishop James Van Johnston, Jr. I recall a final comment by Bishop Emeritus John Leibrecht who was present for my ordination. He said, “Dan, you applied while I was still your bishop, and I am delighted to be part of your ordination. You’re special in that it took two bishops to finally get you ordained.”
Yes, it was special to have two fine bishops praying for me, providing their guidance and support along my journey. And I am so grateful to serve our diocese in a variety of roles under Bishop Edward Rice. His confidence in me to be the Director of the Permanent Diaconate of our diocese is something I do not take lightly. I am blessed to be part of a diaconal community that supports one another in serving the Church of southern Missouri.
I like to think of my deacon community (included the wives) as our diocese first responders when called upon by our priests in service to the needs of our parish families. There are 20 deacons actively serving in our diocese. Four of these deacons were ordained in other dioceses and moved into our diocese. Similarly, one of our deacons moved a few years ago and serves in the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese. What do all these men have in common - to humbly serve others, seeking no accolades, nothing in return.
While most of the faithful may see a deacon assisting at the altar on Sundays, that is just a snapshot of what deacons do. Deacons help with faith formation, youth ministry, visiting the homebound, those in hospitals and in nursing homes. Three deacons serve in prison ministry. Our diocesan Chancellor and Superintendent of Schools is a deacon. Another is director of Campus Ministry and a certified Spiritual Director. Another oversees the Propagation of the Faith ministry for our diocese. Another deacon was recently hired as the Chaplain for St. Francis Hospital in Cape. Another represents our diocese for Encourage and Encourage ministry. Others serve as DRE’s, in parish finance, and lead outreach ministries.
We have one deacon who moved into the central part of our diocese a few years and does so much for his three parishes that I don’t know what we would do without him. For myself, I am blessed to serve my fellow deacons in a leadership role, assisting with their continued formation along with shepherding the 11 men who are currently in formation to become deacons.
But most of all, I cherish being the Pastoral Associate and Parish Administer at Our Lady of the Ozarks parish in Forsyth. I am grateful to Fr. Dave Hulshof who saw something in me and asked me to serve in this capacity four years ago, and to Fr. J Friedel who continues to mentor me in this role.
I am not sure what the next 10 years of ministry will look like. I really don’t get too concerned or anticipate the future. It’s all in God’s hands. What I do know is none of this would be possible without the love and support of my best friend, my wife, Beth. Like all deacons, we know the importance our wives have in our ministry. They keep us focused, balanced, and help us to discern when to say yes and when to say no when our ministry plate overflows. Beth and I may not be joined at the hip in my ministry work but we are joined at the heart. And for that I am deeply thankful. May God’s peace be with all of you.
