March 28, 2008

Meet our future deacons

Donald Dearman Donald Dearman

  • Age: 57
  • Spouse: Carol Ann
  • Home Parish: St. Rita Parish in Indianapolis
  • Occupation: Retired Juvenile Corrections Officer and Substance Abuse Counselor

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

Without a doubt, my wife, Carol Ann (McKay) Dearman, and the Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Hamilton.

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

No one knows what God has planned for him or her. Every member of the Church is an intellectually gifted

human being called to use his or her gifts for the betterment of the community and the transformation of society.

In September 1995, I became a candidate to join the Catholic Church. In September 2004, I became a candidate in the first archdiocesan deacon formation program. After many years of doubting and self-promises, it really hit me that the will of God would not take me anywhere [that] the grace of God would not protect me.

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

Ordination will acknowledge that I have been granted the tools to properly minister to the faithful and the seeking. It will allow me to minister to a variety of people throughout the archdiocese outside of my home parish. My family understands that I will be called to minister to all people.

I have experienced a spiritual renewal. My faith journey through prayer has reaffirmed my under-standing of the cultural diversity in the Church. I can relate and share my spiritual journey with any and all, affirming my place in religion as a practicing Roman Catholic and, most important, as a child of God.

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

I will continue to visit the sick in their homes and in nursing homes. It is my intention to keep visiting and ministering to the elderly forever. I have developed a sincere interest in prison ministry. I feel it is a necessary element from which the entire Christian community can very well benefit. †

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