On August 31, 2019 I, along with 14 other
men, started on a crazy, incredible journey. On
this day we were ordained Permanent Deacons
for the Diocese of Youngstown. What a three
years it has been, and it has not been without
its triumphs and challenges. I can promise you
not one of us would have predicted a global
pandemic that would shut down the country.
We would have not predicted that our Bishop,
Bishop George Murry, would pass away. We
would not have predicted the civil unrest that
our country and the world would be going
through. What a first six months that we experi-
enced!
As a deacon, it has been an interesting ex-
perience, to say the very least. I have had the
honor of baptizing babies, and being a part of
memorial services. I have been blessed in
ways that I didn’t even know was possible and I
know in my heart, the best is yet to come. It
can be challenging at times as well. It amazes
me how mean people can be to each other,
and it’s always perplexing seeing Catholics be-
rate one another. Sometimes folks need to filter
their thoughts before they turn them into words,
but we human beings are funny creatures. All
in all, I wouldn’t trade any of it!
Saint Paul’s has become an amazing home for
me and my family! We absolutely love this par-
ish community, and I truly cannot wait to see
what the future holds! I am so grateful for each
and everyone of you! I am so grateful for Fa-
ther Steve and our friendship! His laughter is
contagious, and I am so lucky for all the laugh-
ter we have had! The parish staff is beyond
wonderful, and I am so happy when I get the
opportunity to hang out with them!
The weekend of August 27th, I humbly ask
that you pray for all the Deacons of the Diocese
of Youngstown. We have our first weekend re-
treat since COVID hit, and we are all in need of
a spiritual refreshment. I am very excited to be
with my brother Deacons, and I know it’s going
to be a powerful experience!
Once again, thank you! Thank you from the bot-
tom of my heart for all your prayers and kindness!
The first three years have been a whirlwind, and I
am excited for the promise of tomorrow! May we
continue to walk together, All for His glory!!!