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January 2018 IssueAnsweringThe Call ToServeA Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus
ANSWERING THE CALL TO SERVEA Diaconate OrdinationBy Paul Koppie, PSDAfew years ago, I applied to theDiaconate Formation Program forthe Diocese of St. Petersburg. Thiswas not a sudden impulse. Whilehaving felt the calling to serve my community as adeacon for many years, I pushed the feeling aside,thinking I was not adequate or worthy enough,instead continuing to serve my faith community inother ways including the Knights of Columbus atthe local and State levels.Over the years, however, the calling wouldreturn and, finally, I decided to explore enteringthe Diaconate. During the year of Inquiry, Teriand I attended several seminars, and each of uswrote many reflection papers. After many hoursof prayer and discernment with the family, Isubmitted my application to the Program, thinkingI would politely be told, “Thank you for yourinterest, but not at this time.” Instead, on June 23,2013, I, along with 10 other men, received a letterof acceptance from Bishop Lynch.Following a weekend retreat that summer of2013, academic classes began in the fall. Classeson Christian and Catholic history and theology wereoffered through St. Leo University at their Tampacampus. The classes were taught year-round,following a normal college semester schedule.There was a lot of reading (3-6 books for eachclass) and many papers to write. In addition to theSt. Leo classes, the diocese also conducted classeson a variety of subjects pertaining specifically toCatholicism; e.g. Canon Law, Leadership training,Pastoral perspectives, etc.Besides the academic classes, those in formationwere required to participate in summer internshipsto help us grow in our pastoral ministries. I spentone summer working at Pinellas Hope, another at aMayan Indian School in the jungles of Guatemala,another at Hospice as a Spiritual Chaplain Intern,and the final summer shadowing three deaconsas they performed their respective ministries intheir own parishes. While we learned a lot fromthe academic classes, it was the pastoral ministryinternships that really touched my heart.The whole process brought me closer to Godand to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.While the studies and the required time spent onstudies and ministry were a constant challenge,the relationships that developed and grew madeDiaconate con’t next pageINVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus2
Diaconate con’t from previous pagethe journey very rewarding and joyful.The formation process included serving as aLector, Acolyte, and Extraordinary Minister. Asan Acolyte, I served at Sunday Masses and at themorning Mass on Wednesdays; at the conclusionof every Wednesday morning Mass, I wouldbring the Blessed Sacrament to the Oratory forExposition and Adoration.When I started the formation process, I was notsure how I was going to find the time to do allthat was required. The many classes to be taken,the hours upon hours of study and writing papers,the internships that had to be completed, all whileworking and supporting my family.In addition, during two years of my formation,I was the State Deputy of the Florida Jurisdiction.I had not planned on being in the diaconateformation while I was the State Deputy; my planwas to start the diaconate formation after my termas State Deputy.However, God’s plans were not the same asmine (as is usually the case with all of us). I wastold that if I truly felt I was being called to be adeacon, I needed to start the formation processat that time. Needless to say, I was very muchstretched to my limits. There were a few timesthat I wondered and worried if I could maintainthis busy schedule and continue to give my fullattention to everything I was involved in.Finally, after much discernment, I knew inmy heart that if this was God’s plan, then Hewould see I got through it; I approached it witha total heartfelt trust in God. Now, looking back,I am amazed at what God has accomplished. Theformation process brought me closer to God, toTeri, and to my family, more than at any other timein my life. I am overwhelmed with an appreciationof the many blessings God has given me to familyand friends.In the past three months since my ordination, Ihave been busy with my diaconate responsibilities;conducting wake and memorial services, assistingat Sunday and daily Masses including funerals,preaching, participating in Communion services,conducting Benedictions, and participating withRCIA instruction.Recently, I have taken over SacramentDiaconate con’t next pageINVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus3
Diaconate con’t from previous pagePreparation for my parish (preparing those whoare about to receive their Sacraments). I amlooking forward to being the celebrant at the riteof Baptism in the near future. Our formationteachers warned us we would be very busy asdeacons, and they were correct; however, it hasbeen a joyful busy.I would be remiss if I did not point out thatin my formation class there were two otherKnights who were ordained deacons; JohnCarter at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle inSt. Petersburg, and Eugene Beil at St. Michael theArchangel parish in Hudson. There also have beenother Knights throughout Florida who have beenordained as deacons as of recent and others whoare still in the formation process. Please pray forall of them.I would like to thank you, my brothers andsisters, for the prayers and support you have givenme the past five years and those that attended myordination. I could not have come to this part ofmy journey without your friendship and support.I truly feel blessed that the Knights of Columbushave been a part of my life. It has been and willcontinue to be a special opportunity for me toserve you and others.I ask for your continued prayers and support,as I will continue to pray for you. May God blessyou and your families with the Peace of Christthis New Year, and may He continue to bless theKnights of Columbus. STATE ADVOCATE’S REPORTSubmit Your ResolutionsWBy State Advocate Robert Urritie just had our mid-year meeting,and the staff did a great job. Weneed to continue and push a littleharder to achieve your Counciland the State goals we have set forth. We need toplan for a big finish as we start the 2nd half of theyear. Thank you for all the hard work you all havedone so far. Let’s continue doing so to make ouryear a successful one.We have started to plan for next year’sconvention. Remember that in January we shouldbe planning and electing our delegates to the 2018Convention in Orlando. Please do not wait untilthe last minute to select your delegates. If a councilwould like to submit aresolution to be heard atthe convention, pleasehave it submitted by April7th, 2018. You will beable to submit it onlineafter January 15th, 2018.If a Council wants tosubmit a paper resolution,you would have to mail 5copies with a Council seal State Advocate RobertUrriti and Lucilleby April 1st. INVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus4
STATE DEPUTY’S REPORTRecruitment is the Lifeblood of Our OrderBy State Deputy Donald KahrerAs we start the 2018 New Year andthe second half of our fraternalyear, we must evaluate our progressin achieving Star Council status.Measuring what we have accomplished, and whatremains to be done, is key to achieve this mostprestigious Council status.The Star Council award measures success inthe important areas of membership, programs,and insurance promotion. It allows for Councilsto benchmark their growth, activities, and service.These elements are vital to health, vitality, andlong-term planning to ensure a vibrant future. Thecandidate of today is the future of our Order.Recruitment is the lifeblood of our Order, as itensures and sustains our future. In time and withproper guidance and mentoring, the new membersof today will become the officers, fraternal leaders,and Sir Knights of the future.What better gift is there to offer to anotherCatholic man, and his family than the opportunityand support to join our Order. Membership in ourOrder will allow the family to better serve ourparishes, clergy, and community. The family,strengthening their bondas a reflection of theHoly Family, will be ableto serve as a domesticChurch.The Domestic Churchinitiative offers everyonethe occasion to usetheir gifts to serve inthe many programs andopportunitiesoffered State Deputy DonaldKahrer, Jr. and Christineby our Order. There areopportunities in Church,Family and Community activities. Some programsinclude 5th Sunday Rosary, Coats for Kids,Special Olympics, Basketball Free Throw, etc. The list of programs and activates are numerous,as everyone can find something of interest.It all starts with on-on-one recruiting, tellingyour story and asking another Catholic man to joinour Order. Offer him the opportunity to protectand strengthen his family, while better serving ourparishes, clergy, and community. INVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus5
ARCHBISHOP’S REPORTMany Journeys, One FamilyBy Archbishop Thomas WenskiArchbishop Thomas Wenski preached this homily at the annual Migration Mass,celebrated at St. Mary Cathedral Jan. 7, 2018, feast of the Epiphany. The Massmarks the start of the annual observance of National Migration Week, Jan. 7-13.The theme of this year’s National Migration Week is “Many journeys, one family.”“Lord, every nation on earth will adoreyou.” Epiphany — which means“manifestation” or revelation —celebrates the fact that when Jesus wasborn as a man in Bethlehem, he came not forjust one people but for allpeoples, all races, of all timesand places.For almost 50 years, theCatholic Church in the U.S.has associated the Solemnityof the Epiphany of the Lordwith National MigrationWeek, so as to call attentionto the dramatic realities ofhuman mobility in our times.Today, at this annualMigration Mass, people fromthe many nations that makeup this local Church here inSouth Florida come to adoreour Lord, who comes as a lightfor the world, the light for thenations. In representing thevarious ethnic ministries of the Archdiocese, all ofyou well embody the theme of this year’s NationalMigration Week: “Many journeys, one family.”May the Star of Bethlehem, which guided theMagi on their journey and sustained their hope, bealways the point of reference to help all peoplesfind their way to Christ.The United States, whose national motto is “epluribus Unum” (out of many, one), is proudly anation of immigrants. In America, our CatholicChurch from its small beginnings, with theestablishment of the first diocese in Baltimorea little more than two centuries ago, has growntremendously because of the influx of successivewaves of immigrants. This diversity — far fromdividing — has enriched us tremendously — bothas a nation as well as a community of believers.Despite a constant, ifsomewhatmuted,antiCatholic prejudice that hasalways been part of theAmerican experience, theCatholic Church in America— through its vast networkof social services and schools– has helped immigrantsintegrate successfully intoAmerican society. Our schoolsnot only taught the catechism,they also taught patriotism.Our forefathers came herefrom countries torn apart bywar and poverty — they cameseeking “hope” and “justice”;and for the most part the“American dream” did notdefraud them. And today, in our Archdiocese, ourCatholic Legal Services help more than 3,000clients every month in three different locationsas they seek today hope, justice and a chance topursue the “American dream.”Of course, in the last 50 years, the numbersof new immigrants to America has equaled, ifnot surpassed, those of the “Great Wave” ofthe late 19th and early 20th centuries. Humanmobility continues to increase in this new era ofArchbishop con’t next pageINVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus6
Archbishop con’t from previous pageglobalization – and while war and poverty continueto displace people, work or the promise of work is amajor factor that leads people to migrate from onecountry to another. In the U.S. and other countries,where the governments were slow to respond tothe market’s need for more labor, irregular or whatsome call “illegal” migration grew to fill the need.Migration is fiercely debated today. Too oftenthe debates we hear on TV or radio generate muchheat but little light. And frankly, Americans aredivided and conflicted about immigration:We see efforts to pass increasingly restrictivelegislation; we see the numbers of refugeeadmissions drastically curtailed in the midst of aworldwide crisis not seen since the end of WorldWar II; we see draconian – and expensive –proposals to build higher walls and bigger detentioncenters; yet, we also see efforts, necessary efforts,to provide relief to those living in the U.S. withoutthe benefit of a permanent status – like the 800,000DACA recipients, or the beneficiaries of TPS fromHaiti and Central America.And this month, expect the debates to intensify.Let us pray for our political leaders that theywill listen to their better angels — and not justtheir fears — and pass legislation that serves thecommon good of all.The Church teaches us not to fear the migrant– and the Church warns us not to mistreat themigrant. In a way, just as we call Jesus the King ofKings and the Lord of Lords, we can refer to Himas the Migrant of Migrants as well. In becominga man like us, he “migrated” from heaven. Hebecame a citizen of our world so that we in turnmight become citizens of the world to come. Andthose who will enter into his heavenly homelandwill do so because, as he himself will tell us: “Iwas a stranger, and you welcomed me”.This is why the Church will continue to speakout on behalf of migrants everywhere. We speakout in defense of those, especially the young, whoare trafficked across borders to be exploited inthe sex trade.We will continue to advocate for a just andequitable reform of a broken immigrationsystem that continues to separate families forunacceptable periods of time and that provides nopath to citizenship for millions who work in jobsthat otherwise would have gone unfilled. We willdefend the rights of refugees and asylum seekersfor a safe haven from persecution and violence.In a world of broken promises and fragilehopes, may our Church, in her wonderful diversityof cultures and languages, be always a beacon ofhope, a light to the world. By modeling what areconciled world could look like, we can — withthe help of God’s grace — show those whomglobalization has made neighbors how to live asbrothers and sisters. INVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus7
CHAPLAIN’S REPORTThe Feast of the TheophanyBy State Chaplain Rev. Salvatore PignatoThe Eastern Church celebrated onJanuary 6th the feast of the Theophanyor the Baptism of Jesus. In the WesternChurch the feast on January 6th is theEpiphany, two different Feasts, but with the sameend in regard to Jesus. The Magi came to Jesusin the Epiphany to venerate the Son of God. Inthat Son of God and in His birth, His purpose wasto gather together the people and prepare themfor forgiveness. This preaching of forgivenesscould not have taken place without the Baptismof Jesus. Although Jesus did not need baptism,He subjected Himself to the baptism of John.The Baptism of Jesus signified the beginning ofHis ministry leading to forgiveness through Hispassion and death.You and I have been baptized by the directiveand command of Jesus. We, therefore, have beengiven, as the Apostles at Pentecost, the ministry ofJesus. We begin a new year. We have a new andclean slate to apply ourselves to the ministry ofJesus. The first priority of our lives is to witnessto the Glory of God. It is, as Jesus commands, to“teach all nations”.TAsKnightsofColumbus, we havethe wonderful task tominister to the mission ofJesus. That mission is togather the people of Godtogether in communityand worship. It is, asMatthew’s gospel says, asJesus separates the sheepfrom the goats to minister State Chaplain ReverendSalvatore Pignatoto the needs of the peopleof God.Jesus said in speaking to His Father, “Father,I have given You glory, now glorify My Name.”You and I are the glory of Jesus because we arethe Body of Christ. During this coming year let usdedicate ourselves to reflecting the glory of Jesus,gathering the people together in community and inworship, always attentive to the needs of others.God bless you all. Are You A Member?he Father Michael J. McGivney Guild cause for canonization and are invited toserves as a source forparticipate in promoting devotioninformation about the life,to this Servant of God. Membersworks and spirituality of Fatherof the Knights of Columbus are notMcGivney.automatically Guild members andThe Guild distributes informationalmust elect to join the Guild.materials about him, receivesThe Father Michael J. McGivneyreports of favors granted throughGuild Newsletter is publishedhis intercession and oversees thebimonthly except July - August, and isdistribution of relics.sent free to Guild members.Guild members receive regularTo join the Guild, register online at:updates on the progress of Father McGivney’s http://www.fathermcgivney.org/ INVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus8
STATE SECRETARY’S REPORTShare Your StoryBy State Secretary Scott A. O’ConnorDo you ever get the feeling that timeis just flying by at an ever-increasingspeed? Did it seem like 2017 cameand went like the blink of an eye? Ordid you fully experience every moment of the pastyear to its fullest extent? If you answered yes tothe former, then perhaps you are not living up toyour fullest potential. If you answered yes to thelater, then you got it figured out.In this article, I want to share with you some ofmy story. Now I am not looking for any feedback.But when you tell your own story, it often connectswith others who can relate to what you are doingand hopefully give them something that they canuse to build on their own successes.I often tell people, when asked “Why did youjoin the Knights of Columbus?,” that I truly feltthat God had blessed me with a multitude of goodthings in my life. I had a beautiful wife, a businessthat was providing for our material needs, twochildren who were doing well, a nice house in agreat golf community here in south Florida. Whatmore could anyone want?But I felt like something was missing. I wantedto give back, to help those who were not asfortunate as I was. But how to do it? That was thequestion. Then the opportunity to join a Knights ofColumbus Council presented itself, and I becameinvolved.Now, I should also explain that in my youth,as I was growing up, I had known about the goodworks of the KofC. My family had attended manya fish fry back in the Chicago area, and I hadeven been invited to join back in the mid-1970’s.However, it did not happen then nor for severaldecades,I moved around the country (for work),moving 14 times in about 20 years. So, when theopportunity presented itself again here in Florida,I jumped at it. I quickly got involved in Councilactivities, and since I had a significant amount ofbusiness experience, my skills and abilities wereput to good use. I quicklyrose through the ranks inthe Council and becameinvolved with the 4thDegree and ceremonialslearning parts in all fourdegrees.Degree work continuesto be one of my mostcherished duties as aKnight. As a District State Secretary Scott A.O’Connor and MaryDeputy, I learned aboutthe different personalitiesof parish Councils throughout the area in which Ilived. I got a wider appreciation of what the Knightsof Columbus really means to the communities inwhich it exists.Going to council events, installations, dinnersand charitable programs with my wife was afamily affair. In the days when I was a DistrictDeputy, my mother was living and often wouldcome along, as would my youngest daughter, whowas living at home at the time. They would pitchin and help set up tables, serve food and help cleanup after the event, no matter where it was. Wewere happier than I could ever remember. Trulybeing a Knight of Columbus has made me a betterman, a better husband, a better father and a betterCatholic.I encourage all of you to “share your story”with the men of your parish, let them know thatthe work we do is not a burden, but in fact, it isa labor of love. I truly believe that you get backtenfold what you put into it.Mary and I wish each one of you a safe andHappy New Year. We thank you for your prayersand thoughts. INVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus9
STATE TREASURER’S REPORTResolve to be KindBy State Treasurer Raphael LopezHappy New Year!I spent thisChristmas and New Year withmy daughter and her family. Mygranddaughter asked for help withher holiday homework assignment which was towrite out her New Year’s resolution and explainhow she came to it.I enjoyed seeing how she worked on theassignment and reading the research that she wasdoing. She really got into it and found that makingNew Year’s resolutions, in one form or another,date back to Asian religions when monks wouldpromise to change one habit, that in their mind,kept them from inner peace.Our research gave us information that she coulduse, and that I found thought-provoking: whichtype of resolutions are kept and for how long simple straight forward promises that could easilybe reinforced by the maker. Her assignment wasa great exercise, and I learned a lot.When she finished her assignment, I readher report and found that 82% of all resolutionsmade are, on the average, kept for no more than40 days, primarily because the resolution was toocomplicated or required action the maker neededto perform that was not convenient. Vows orpromises to improve oneself, that were actuallyTkept, were those that weresimple to state and topractice, and are those thatcan be reinforced by dailyactivity. She resolved thatshe would be kinder to herlittle brother - a challenge.We discussed herresolution.She askedwhat I thought and why?Treasurer RaphaelAs we talked, I explained StateLopez and Judythat kindness was charity,and that if we promiseourselves to be kind, we will practice charity—thatwe will be considerate of our family, our friends,and all with whom we deal. I was thinking ofour Admissions Degree and of the FraternalCharge it presents.It is a great lesson, one that we can and shouldfrequently reinforce by attending an admissiondegree with our brothers, to share with oneanother that lesson set forth so many years agoand instilled as the First Principal of our Order.Resolve to be Kind.Judy and I wish for you and your family ablessed 2018, one in which you are known asa kind man. New Florida Fourth Degree District Websitehis site exists to provide informationabout the Knights of ColumbusFlorida Fourth Degree District to ourbrother Knights, potential Knights,the Catholic community, and the public atlarge. Here you will find information onPatriotic Degree Exemplification Ceremonies,background information about the FourthDegree, and other patriotic information andlinks.Also, you will find ideas and tools for our localFaithful Navigators to assist them in leadingtheir assemblies to foster a spirit of patriotismand to encourage active Catholic citizenship.We invite you to learn more about the FourthDegree of the Knights of Columbus. Please usethe menu at the top and at the left side of the webpage to view some of our many links and specialfeatures we have prepared for you. We hope thatyou visit us often.Check out the new website today at:https://www.floridakofcfourth.org/ INVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus10
VOCATIONSChoices .Oh the Joy They Can PresentBy Jeff Stephanz, St. Stephen Council 14084For most of us, choices determine a courseof action which, we hope, can and willimprove our present state. Choices aregenerally the result of seeking knowledge,gathering information, consulting others and oftenentering into periods of prayer to help us formsound decisions. They can, and most likely will,affect our lives for a considerable period of time,even quite possibly, an entire lifetime. One mightsay that a choice is dependent upon a great amountof trust in others and often in oneself.Approximately thirteen years ago a choicebegan to develop in the mind of a young man.I say young at thirteen years, but I am certainthat he began to experience the feelings, and theimpressions may have been introduced to him,even years prior to this. This young man was, atthat time, a sophomore in high school and beingsubjected to a myriad of choices. However, onewas taking control of his heart, or more aptly put,maybe his heart was taking control of him. It wascausing him to choose a path that was not oftenchosen by young men or women of his age.He was beginning to dialogue with our DiocesanVocations Director, and an occasional day wasspent with other young men in retreat settings.These young men were also being led on a similarjourney. Some would choose not to enter this pathbut go a different direction while a few otherschose, as did this young man, to follow their heart.Oh, how a choice can present peace of mind, anincredible satisfaction and an overwhelming joythat leaps, from within!His choice culminated in a decision to surrenderhis life to Jesus Christ. Ultimately, this led tothe fruition of nine years of life as a seminarian,and now celebrating the first anniversary ofhis ordination to the priesthood. I speak, andvery proudly so, of our youngest son, ReverendJonathan Edward Stephanz, who was ordained asa priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.My beautiful and incredibly talented wifeTina Marie and I have nurtured four wonderfulchildren; Karl, Elizabeth, Jonathan, and Anna,Choices con’t next pageINVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus11
Choices con’t from previous pageinto very successful young men and women whohave each developed promising career paths. Karlis in law enforcement, currently a detective withthe Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Elizabeth isa clinical music therapist in a home for troubledchildren in Pennsylvania. Anna is in Fort Myersworking as a child life specialist in an innovativepediatric hospital, engaging children and theirfamilies facing medical/surgical procedures.Each has faced a multitude of choices as theyhave embarked on their professional journey.We all share the realization that Jonathan hasdedicated his life to being a shepherd of God’schildren. Mom and Dad, sisters and brother haveall completely supported, encouraged and prayedfor Jonathan throughout his seminarian education,as have so many wonderful people of our parish,other parish families and our community of friendsand extended family.Throughout our marriage, Tina and I havemade our church family an extension of ourintimate family life. Through our example ofestablishing Jesus Christ as the head of our home,we have watched our children become engagedthroughout the years in parish ministries: altarserving, music, youth groups and so many more.We never imposed any requirements on our kids,but we certainly encouraged all of them to actresponsibly and make proper and correct choices.Because of our commitment of love and devotionfor each other, Tina and I have demonstrated to ourchildren that their choices can and will continue todetermine their future.Speaking of a commitment of love, allow meto return for a moment to reflect upon FatherJonathan’s first year as a priest, serving asParochial Vicar at St. Paul Catholic Church inSt. Petersburg. No greater joy can be experiencedas a parent when he or she can witness their soncelebrate a Eucharistic Mass, elevating the Hostand the Chalice to be consecrated as the mostprecious body and blood of our Lord and Savior,Jesus Christ.Tina and I now choose to mix our Mass schedulemonthly between our home parish, St. Stephen,and St. Paul, permitting us the opportunity toobserve Father Jonathan as he engages with hisparish family. Observing his interaction withSt. Paul’s young children and the teenagers isuniquely rewarding; much like Jesus must havefelt as He called to the children to come closer anddraw unto Him.There have been other occasions within thispast year that have allowed me to realize that ourJonathan has chosen very wisely. One in particular,was witnessing Father Jonathan celebrate thesacrament of marriage of his brother Karl andhis beloved wife, Elizabeth, affectionately calledLizzie; so yes, now we have two Elizabeth’s inour immediate family. Oh, the joys that can berealized from the amazing choices of those nearand dear to us.It is my fervent prayer that you, especially ifyou are a parent, will provide guidance, direction,encouragement and spiritual understanding toyour children or your loved ones, enabling themto select those choices that can and will empowerthem to their highest elevations in life. Thetremendous rewards and joy you will share can beoverwhelming and spiritually uplifting. INVOCATION - A Monthly Publication for the Membership of the Florida State Council Knights of Columbus12
INSURANCE REPORTPut Your Loved Ones FirstBy Insurance Director Robert GittoDuring the month of January, wespend a lot of time thinking aboutourselves. What will our New Year’sresolutions be? How will we changeour lives? What will 2018 bring for us?But what about the ones you love? Is protectingthem part of your plan for 2018? Sure, there’sa lot that you can and do to protec
ANSWERING THE CALL TO SERVE A Diaconate Ordination A few years ago, I applied to the Diaconate Formation Program for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. This was not a sudden impulse. While having felt the calling to serve my community as a deacon for many years, I pushed the feeling aside, thinking I was not adequate or worthy enough,
