May 23, 2008

Meet our future deacons

Bob DeckerBob Decker

Who are the important role models in your life of faith?

Christ is my primary role model. My parents, my wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends have taught me unconditional love. Friends and parishioners at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis, St. John the Baptist Parish in Osgood and St. Paul Parish in New Alsace have taught me how to live in a community united with Christ.

What are your favorite Scripture verses, prayers and devotions?

[The Mass] is the center point of my life where I become energized with the blessings of the Holy Spirit to live with Christ and all God’s people. I love the Eucharist. Here we become the Christ to others.

Why do you feel that God is calling you to become a deacon?

The more I inform my faith, the stronger it grows. As I reach out to others, the call to help them becomes louder. As I see Jesus in others, I feel compelled to respond. The more I pray and listen to God, the more I feel it is his call and it is his request for me. I have been blessed with so many gifts, relationships and abilities. I thank God and return them to him as a servant. I am called by Christ and his Church to share my gifts with others. It brings [me] great joy as I do so.

How will being ordained a deacon have an impact on your life and family?

Through formation and through ministering, we—my children, grandchildren, family and especially my wife—grow deeper in love as we grow together with Christ in our daily life. We place God as a priority in our life. As a result, there are times of sacrifice as I tend to the needs of others rather than having that time together. This cup becomes a family cup, shared and accepted with God’s blessing. I try to make up that time with them later. †

 

(Go to the Deacon formation homepage)

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