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 November issues, The Catholic Virginian will feature deacons celebrating their 10th anniversary.
Daniel Sorady
Spouse: Cathleen
Parish: St. Matthew, Virginia Beach
Occupation: Retired US Navy Command Master Chief, Retired Telecom Installation Manager
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: It has been an honor to serve the St. Matthew community for the past 10 years. I especially enjoy preparing young families for the baptism of their new babies and walking with those families who have lost a loved one.
Michael Swisher
Spouse: Rosemarie
Parish: St. Mary Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe; St. Joseph, Hampton; and St. Vincent de Paul, Newport News
Occupation: Retired Government Financial Manager
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: The most rewarding aspect of my diaconal ministry has been the countless little moments of grace that come through the loving service of liturgy, Word and charity. They come while proclaiming the Gospel and preaching. They come while sharing the faith in catechesis. They come while accompanying parishioners on their faith journeys – preparing couples and witnessing their marriages, baptizing their children, being present for the funeral of a family member. These moments of grace also come in a special way through the relationships that I have been privileged to form with the people in our community.
James O. Tubbs
Spouse: Sharon
Parish: St. John Neumann, Powhatan
Occupation: Retired Military, Pastoral Associate at St. John Neumann
Describe the rewarding aspect(s) of your diaconal ministry: The most rewarding aspect of my diaconal ministry is bringing Eucharist to, and visiting with, the homebound, the hospitalized and the elderly. While there is a lot of fear, struggle, pain and grief associated with this ministry, the grace that flows into each visit is greater.
John T. Tucker III
Spouse: Lynn
Parish: St. Paul, Richmond
Occupation: Retired Attorney
Describe the rewarding aspect of your diaconal ministry: Those times I am privileged to feel the presence and power of God: in distributing the Eucharist, in baptizing an infant, in leading a couple through their marriage vows, in being at the bedside of one whose earthly existence is ending, in approaching an ambo. What a tremendous responsibility it is to preach the Word of God. If the words escaping from my lips in any small way leave listeners with a ray of hope, a deepened faith, a knowledge that they are loved beyond measure, then they do so only through the presence and power of God.
James E. VanWyk
Spouse: Marie (Deceased)
Parish: Our Lady of Lourdes, Richmond
Occupation: Retired Chemical Engineer
Describe the rewarding aspect of your diaconal ministry: I have found great joy in helping young people transition to an adult. I have also found great joy in helping people achieve their sacraments. I feel an inner calm when I help people in their sorrow over the passing of a loved one.
Bob Young
Spouse: Diane
Parish: St. Joseph, Petersburg
Occupation: Retired; Director of the diocesan Office of the Propagation of the Faith
Describe the rewarding aspect of your diaconal ministry: The diaconate has been a true blessing for me. Through the formation process, I always told myself that the Lord could change his mind at any time and close this door. I had to be ready for that response from him. It was not about me, but about him. However, through his grace and mercy, I did make it to ordination and have not had any regrets since. My wife, family and the parishioners of St. Joseph have been gracious and understanding of my duties and responsibilities and have given me the freedom to serve God’s Church in whatever way he calls.