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.
Frank Leaming
Spouse: Nina
Parish: St. Mary of the Annunciation, Ladysmith
Occupation: Retired
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: The diaconal ministry has created a special connection for me with people. At the most joyful and most difficult times, the diaconate has given me a chance to share God with family, friends and often with people I don’t know well. We all share a bond based on God. As a Catholic deacon, that bond begins with Jesus Christ.
Anacleto “Lito” M. Magsombol
Spouse: Benesia (Bene)
Parish: St. Luke, Virginia Beach
Occupation: Retired
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: The rewarding aspect of my diaconal ministry is my personal interactions with our parishioners, families, friends and other people I serve who inspire me in my ministries of word, sacrament and charity. It helps me improve my relationship with God and others when I make myself available in the celebration of sacraments, in participating in parish events, in visiting those in need, and in spending time in the Blessed Sacrament. My physical presence with the people I serve gives me joy and allows me to experience the love I have for them and their kindness to me.
Adrian Marchi, Ph.D.
Spouse: Robin
Parish: St. Stephen, Martyr, Chesapeake
Occupation: Chief Operating Officer
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: The most encompassing and rewarding aspect of the diaconate is the overall opportunity the Lord has given me to serve his people as his ordained minister. Every area of service has been a delight and fulfilling experience. I truly enjoy baptizing babies/ children, marrying people, preaching, attending to the needs of the dead and dying. I also appreciate the opportunity to teach the faith via the RCIA, CFC, etc. I have been leading men’s breakfasts and prayer groups where people come to know/experience the Lord in a unique way. Finally, participating in the liturgy is one of the most beautiful aspects of the diaconal ministry.
Robert “Bob” May
Spouse: Sandy
Parish: Church of the Holy Family, Virginia Beach
Occupation: Deputy Director, ES&H, Jefferson Lab
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: One rewarding aspect of my ministry is the shared service I have with my spouse. My spouse and I extend the grace and love present in the sacrament of our own married life to others as we help prepare them for marriage. Another rewarding aspect of my ministry is living out the mystery of my special configuration to Christ that comes from ordination. It is a constant source of grace and wonder and gives me a shared sense of service with my parish pastor, my brother deacons, and my sisters and brothers who have consecrated themselves in service to Christ.
P. Eric “Grimm” Palm
Spouse: Denise
Parish: St. Jerome, Newport News
Occupation: Youth Minister – St. Bede, Williamsburg
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: Over the past 10 years, I have truly loved serving as a deacon. I am blessed to have a wonderful parish that looks forward to my preaching and is incredibly supportive of my family and my ministry. Rarely does a week go by when I am not asked, “When are you preaching next? I like your homilies; they make me think.” Being blessed to perform weddings for relatives was also an unexpected joy – I have a lot of nieces and nephews, so the joy never ends!