Meet our future deacons

Elvin Hernandez

Name: Elvin Hernandez
Age: 49
Wife: Maria Colom
Home Parish: St. Anthony Parish in Indianapolis
Occupation: Engineer
 

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

My grandmother and my parents. My grandmother was part of the Legion of Mary. She was a faithful woman. I could still picture her in my mind going out to pray the rosary. My mom was a devoted faithful of the Christ Child. Because of her devotion, I remember she always tasked me to go and take her toy donations for kids, which were organized by a priest in a parish nearby my university. My dad prays daily the rosary and the Liturgy of the Hours. I have been blessed to have the opportunity of praying the Liturgy of the Hours with him.
 

What are your favorite Scripture verses, saints, prayers and devotions?

My favorite Scripture verses are 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Psalm 100. The First Letter to Timothy reminds me of being held accountable, and Psalm 100 reminds me to be grateful for God’s grace and gifts. My favorite prayer is the “Miracle Prayer.” It is a prayer that helps me feel the presence of the Holy Spirit among us and a reminder that we are not alone. He will be with us until the end. I am devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially in her assumption, and have consecrated myself to Jesus through Mary.
 

Deacons often minister, formally or informally, to others in the workplace. How have you experienced that already and what do you anticipate doing in the future?

I haven’t yet experienced any event or situation at my workplace in this regard. However, I am very aware of the possibility and never forget that we are “wounded people preaching to wounded people.” Therefore, I will put that situation in God’s hands and pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance when the opportunity comes.
 

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

God’s call doesn’t present to us in black and white wording, but rather in life experiences that take you step by step into the ministry. However, there is something very clear in my mind and on the horizon, and that is to serve God through my community and in different ministries.
 

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

We hope that this ministry results in a positive impact for my family as it will be for me. Despite the huge responsibility, I pray to God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in order to be able to influence my kids to live a life dedicated to Jesus through assisting people in need, with the hope that the help of the Holy Spirit could spark in their hearts the desire to be close to God.
 

How do you hope to serve through your life and ministry as a deacon?

I pray to God for a humble and merciful heart in order to not only be able to see Jesus in others but to bring him to others’ life. Also, to have the courage and sensitiveness at the same time, to meet people where they are, through the different ministries I am involved in. †