In 2012, Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo ordained 38 men as permanent deacons for the Diocese of Richmond. Because of the size of the class, 19 men were ordained on Oct. 13, and 19 were ordained on Nov. 3. In October and November issues, The Catholic Virginian will feature deacons celebrating their 10th anniversary.
Greg Ballentine
Spouse: Kathie
Parish: St. Bede, Williamsburg
Occupation: Retired
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: Happiness is contingent on many things, but joy is permanent because it survives regardless of the circumstances. If asked on any particular day: “Are you happy being a deacon?” The answer could be, “Not at the moment.” But if you ask me: “Do you find joy in being a deacon? Is it a good way to spend your life?” I reply, “Absolutely, yes.”
The overall rewarding aspect of diaconal ministry is in the everyday awareness of and appreciation for the blessings, relationships and joy that come from serving.
Robert M. Beardsworth, Ph.D.
Parish: St. Gregory the Great, Virginia Beach
Occupation: Scientist/Professor
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: To be able to preach the Good News to people who need to hear it. That there is a God who loves them!
Armando Juan deLeón
Parish: St. Augustine, North Chesterfield
Occupation: Senior Utilities Engineer, Virginia State Corporation Commission
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: The most rewarding aspect of my ministry is working with people. As an alumnus of the Marist Brothers and an affiliate of the Society of Mary, I treasure the ministry of “Bringing Jesus to all People.”
I am fortified by the joy expressed by a couple as they exchange vows; the joy in parents as their children are baptized; and the joy I experience as I share God’s Word and the Body of Christ at Mass. Ad Iesum per Mariam!
Tom di Stefano
Spouse: Karen
Parish: St. Raphael the Archangel, Raleigh, NC
Occupation: Project Manager
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: Marriage preparation – Journeying with and sharing in the joy of devoted couples who believe in the nuptial meaning of man and wife lived out in the sanctity of the marriage covenant.
Baptism – Baptizing my grandchildren!
Ordinary eucharistic minister – Blessing babies and children when they come forward in spiritual communion with their parents and older siblings.
Albert “Al” Hallatt
Spouse: Arlene (Deceased)
Parish: St. Augustine, Richmond; Holy Redeemer by the Sea, Kitty Hawk, NC
Occupation: Retired from Eastman Kodak Co.
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: While at St. Augustine, we experienced a pastoral transition to a Hispanic pastor. During this time, it was important to assist the Anglo community in every sacramental and spiritual way. Change can be difficult, but change brought its own rewards and relationships.
At Holy Redeemer, assisting the Oblate priests when and wherever possible was like being a deacon we read about in Scripture. The rewards came through presiding at funerals, the visitors who chose the Outer Banks for their weddings and baptisms, and visiting the homebound and senior home residents.
Stephen Haut
Spouse: Kathryn (Kathy)
Parish: Church of the Epiphany, Richmond
Occupation: Retired Deacon, Retired Research Chemist at Philip Morris
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: The most rewarding aspect of my diaconate experience is the interaction with people, especially young couples seeking marriage for themselves and baptism for their children. I see this interaction as a form of evangelization because preparation for these sacraments often involves a maturation of their understanding and practice of their faith.
I have also served as the spiritual director for the Cursillo Movement in Central Virginia and served on many teams. I have seen firsthand the Holy Spirit work among participants energizing them to experience the love of God deeper than ever before and motivating them to evangelize their environments.
Vincent Kapral
Spouse: Anne
Parish: St. John the Apostle, Virginia Beach; Santa Sophia, Spring Valley, CA; and Queen of Apostles, Alexandria, VA
Occupation: Senior Executive – Department of Navy
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: The most rewarding aspect of my diaconal ministry is serving the one holy, Catholic and apostolic Church across the country, now in my third diocese. Being blessed with a good formation program, it has truly been amazing to be accepted into the dioceses (and parishes) of San Diego and Arlington as a brother deacon and parish servant focused on service to our Catholic Church.
Paul J. Kudrav
Spouse: Gina
Parish: Holy Infant, Elkton
Occupation: Retired Psychologist
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: I have always found sacramental preparation gratifying. Working with couples planning to marry in the Church and preparing families to baptize their children is simply rewarding. Additionally, I found working with the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults a pleasant challenge.