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Five Deacons of the diocese talk about their journey over the years from the stirring of Discovery and Discernment of their vocation to the Diaconate. Growth, development and continuing discernment is addressed in Formation. Their Ministry and Being a Deacon since their ordination completes their story.
Considering a vocation to the Diaconate also effects the family, especially wives as a healthy marriage is important. Below, read what wives have written about their experiences.
Diane Young, wife of Deacon Bob Young
What parish do you serve? St. Joseph, Petersburg.
Did you always think that your husband would become a deacon? I did not always think he would become a deacon.
What was it like when your husband was going through the years of formation? I attended the classes with Bob the first year. But due to a job change, I stopped attending after that.
Do you feel closer to your parish community since your husband was ordained? Yes, I feel closer to the parish community since Bob was ordained.
What words of encouragement would you share with anyone whose husband is considering the diaconate? I would encourage the other wives to attend the formation classes and gatherings if at all possible. It is important to make the connection with other wives and other deacon couples. That way you won’t feel “left out”.
How is your relationship different since your husband has become a deacon? This is a hard one. I guess I sometimes need to remind myself that this is not about me, but that God has called Bob to this ministry.
Adria Hogan, wife of Deacon Kevin Hogan
What parish do you serve? St. Edward the Confessor, Chesterfield.
Did you always think that your husband would become a deacon? No. He discerned the diaconate just before retiring.
What was it like when your husband was going through the years of formation? It was not a burden. He had the time to study and go to class because our children were grown
Do you feel closer to your parish community since your husband was ordained? Yes, the many activities in which he participates make me aware of everything going on, some of which I participate in.
What words of encouragement would you share with anyone whose husband is considering the diaconate? It will enrich your life and open new windows and doors to you personally, if you let it.
How is your relationship different since your husband has become a deacon? Our relationship is the same: very close
L-R Mia Siochi, Ive Gonzalez, Stephanie Brown
Mia Siochi, wife of Deacon Anton Siochi
What parish do you serve? Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Newport News.
Did you always think that your husband would become a deacon?
No, it was a surprise when he told me.
What was it like when your husband was going through the years of formation? Since I was joining him on days that he was attending classes, I decided to take the courses for credit. Taking classes together and having to complete the assignments made me feel like we were going through the formation journey together,
Do you feel closer to your parish community since your husband was ordained? Yes, because we support some of the church ministries together and I go to Masses where my husband serves. With him rotating through several of the weekend Masses, I also get to know parishioners who regularly attend the different Masses.
What words of encouragement would you share with anyone whose husband is considering the diaconate? If God is calling your husband to serve Him, it’s a privilege. It’s an opportunity to probe how God is also calling you. I drew inspiration from Mary and how she responded to Jesus living out His ministry.
How is your relationship different since your husband has become a deacon? Formation has brought out the best in my husband. We have gotten closer. We try to serve in ministries together, especially those where working together as a couple is most effective.
Ive Gonzalez, wife of Deacon Guillo Gonzalez
What parish do you serve? St. Joseph, Hampton.
Did you always think that your husband would become a deacon? Always? No, since we have been together since I was 14. But yes, through the years I knew there was always something special about him. His remarkable faith and always willing to give.
What was it like when your husband was going through the years of formation? It was challenging, rough at times but very manageable since I decided to go to school with him at the same time.
Do you feel closer to your parish community since your husband was ordained? Absolutely.
What words of encouragement would you share with anyone whose husband is considering the diaconate? As long as you are in the same page, communicate to each other and have lots of support, the diaconate will become a blessing for the marriage and the entire family.
How is your relationship different since your husband has become a deacon? Very close, we always try to get involved in ministries we can both work together.
Stephanie Brown, wife of Deacon Michael Brown
What parish do you serve? Christ the King, Norfolk.
Did you always think that your husband would become a deacon? No. It has always been my prayer for God to use him to be everything that He has called him to be. Through prayer, I have trusted that God would guide him.
What was it like when your husband was going through the years of formation? It was a time commitment and required sacrifice. During the intellectual formation, I learned so much and when offered the opportunity I chose to journey alongside and earn a master’s in theology. Many nights and weekends were spent reading, researching, and writing papers. It brought us closer. I enjoyed getting to know the wives and we formed lasting bonds.
Do you feel closer to your parish community since your husband was ordained? Yes, this experience has added to the story of being active in the parish and school community for 20+ years. Through the years, I have formed some great close relationships and continue to experience a great sense of community.
What words of encouragement would you share with anyone whose husband is considering the diaconate? One word for me: Faith. I believe that our marriage takes three, God, Michael, and I and together we journey on the road He leads us. He never fails us.
How is your relationship different since your husband has become a deacon? Our marriage is spiritually more mature and continues to evolve. What’s different is we intentionally work at growing and enhancing our “shared” spiritual relationship.