Chuck Ashburn Cathedral of St. Andrew, Little Rock
Age: 47
Family: Wife Juliann and four children
Occupation: director of religious education and Christian initiation, Diocese of Little Rock
My calling: I believe I received my call while serving in the Army during Operation Desert Storm. While serving there, my brigade chaplain asked me if I had ever thought of becoming a deacon. That began a 22-year journey leading to my ordination.
My ministries: Adult faith formation, training of extraordinary eucharistic ministers, Little Rock Theology Institute, CHS Formation House, high school religion teacher
My influences: Of course, none of this would have been possible without God being present in my life or without the gracious love and support of my wife and family. I would also like to mention the support and encouragement of Msgr. Scott Friend.
Assignment: Cathedral of St. Andrew, Catholic High School for Boys and House of Formation, Little Rock
Arturo Castrejón St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Age: 45
Family: Wife Rosario and two children
Occupation: Construction
My calling: I am convinced that God has called me to serve him and his people. I am very happy to be able to serve my community. I have received many blessings so far and that desire I had to serve is now becoming a reality. I ask for your blessings to continue doing this.
My ministries: I serve as an acolyte in my parish and I serve as minister of Communion in the hospital. I am trying to serve in prison ministry in Bentonville.
My influences: More than anyone, God and my wife, with her dedication and my willingness to serve others.
Assignment: St. Vincent de Paul Church, Rogers
Tim Costello Immaculate Heart of Mary, Marche
Age: 52
Family: Wife Sandy and one child
Occupation: Operations manager, Arkansas Retail Support Center
My calling: I have been so blessed to have been associated with individuals and institutions grounded in the love of God and the service of others. I was fortunate to be accepted into the diaconate formation program. It is with great humility and honor that I serve as a deacon in the Diocese of Little Rock.
My ministries: RCIA, tribunal advocate, Knights of Columbus, Couple to Couple League, Cursillo, homily preparation group
My influences: My wife, Sandy, my family and friends, the parish communities of Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Joseph in Pine Bluff, Ace Retail Support Center, my Cursillo family, the diaconate formation team and candidates and the monks of Subiaco Abbey.
Assignment: Immaculate of Heart of Mary Church, North Little Rock
Norm DeBriyn St. Thomas Aquinas, Fayetteville
Age: 71
Family: Wife Caroline, three children and one grandchild
Occupation: Associate director, Razorback Foundation
My calling: The priests and deacons I have known through the years have always had a big influence on me. I always felt a tugging desire to become a deacon.
My ministries: RCIA, extraordinary eucharistic minister, women's prison ministry
My influences: Father John Antony, Father Joe Marconi and Msgr. James Mancini have been influential in my spiritual journey along with a good friend, Tom Bevins.
Assignment: St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish, Fayetteville
John Drake St. Mary, Paragould
Age: 64
Family: Wife Kem, four sons and four grandchildren
Occupation: Retired teacher and military
My calling: My journey toward this phase in my life with God has evolved slowly. Looking back at my adult life, there has been a yearning for many years for a greater intimacy with God. I had either failed to recognize this desire or put it on a back burner.
My ministries: Hospital ministry, visiting the homebound, RCIA, fifth and sixth grade religion teacher
My influences: My wife Kem and Father John Marconi have been most influential in my spiritual journey.
Assignment: St. Mary Church, Paragould
Silvestre Durán St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Age: 56
Family: Wife Ofelia, two children and four grandchildren
Occupation: School custodian
My calling: I have always liked to help others and I have done this without realizing it. But the most wonderful thing about serving the Lord, as deacon, would be something great for me because the question was brought up by a friend many years ago. He asked me if I wanted to be a deacon and I answered yes, but to me that seemed impossible. A great desire to become a deacon was born from that question, even though I thought it was impossible.... It's a great blessing for me to be able to serve the Lord from the place he has designated for me in the Church.
My ministries: Minister of Communion. I help the priest during Masses. I help with counseling and will help in other ministries after the ordination. One of them will be to help in grief ministry, to prepare the readings and to offer counsel to the families.
My influences: The core team, Father Rubén Quinteros and the book about St. Teresa of Avila
Assignment: St. Vincent de Paul Church, Rogers
David Evans St. Mary, Arkadelphia
Age: 62
Family: Wife Linda, seven children and eight grandchildren
Occupation: College music professor
My calling: I am a convert to Catholicism. I began the process of becoming a deacon 25 years ago, at that time in the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb. There I served as a lector and acolyte but moved to a new position before I could begin my formal diaconate training and in the intervening years did not have an opportunity to complete it.
My ministries: RCIA coordinator, campus ministry, Baptist Hospice
My influences: Father Linus Ukomadu, Father Innocent Okore, Father Babu Battula and Father John Michael Payne, formerly of Marylake Monastery, my wife and, of course, the Holy Spirit.
Assignment: St. Mary Church, Arkadelphia
Elías Rangel Flores St. Anne, Berryville
Age: 41
Family: Wife María del Carmen Trujillo and two children
Occupation: Hardware sales, Millers True Value
My calling: At first when I heard about the formation program, my wife and I met with the Why Catholic? group each Wednesday. We began to visit families, the sick, in this way the Lord began to prepare me for this call since I noticed the great need there is for evangelization, acts of charity, outreach services and help in different areas. There is a need for catechesis with children, teenagers, youth and adults.
My ministries: lector, minister of Communion, taking Communion to the sick. I serve as acolyte and volunteer to take meals to people in need in Green Forest and Berryville.
My influences: All the instructors in the formation program, especially Msgr. Scott Friend and Father Rubén Quinteros and Father Shaun Wesley, our former pastor. Fr. Thomas Arackal and José Luis Ahumada encouraged me to apply.
Assignment: St. Anne, Berryville
David French Our Lady of the Lake, Lake Village
Age: 52
Family: Wife Karen and two children
Occupation: Director of pharmacy, Chico Medical Center
My calling: I've been active in the parish for several years, but I felt the Lord was calling me to serve him in a more profound way. When it was announced in 2008 that a diaconate formation class was being formed, I went to one of the informational meetings. I believe the Lord was calling me to make this commitment to the diaconate.
My ministries: Acolyte leader, lector, RCIA, Knights of Columbus, Lake Village Food Pantry
My influences: My pastor, Father Theo Okpara, has helped me a lot. He has provided wise counsel, and he radiates joy in serving the Lord.
Assignment: Our Lady of the Lake Church, Lake Village; Holy Cross Church, Crossett; and Holy Spirit Church, Hamburg
Ernie Gallegos St. Jude the Apostle, Jacksonville
Age: 53
Family: Wife Ann Marie, two daughters and 11 grandchildren
Occupation: Pulaski County Sheriff's Detention deputy
My calling: I served my country in the Air Force for 15 years and I have been serving my community for the past 18 years. In the fall of 1995, I attended a Cursillo retreat weekend. It truly had an impact on me. From that point forward, you could say that "the voice" became more audible and service was beginning to take on a new meaning. Several years ago, while attending theology classes, a certain question was posed. "How would the lesson you just learned assist you in your ministry?" My reply was, "It would help me considerably when I become a deacon."
My ministries: Youth education, RCIA, Fishnet Food Bank in Jacksonville
My influences: Lazeth Novak, my spiritual director, Sister Mary Glynn, my wife Ann Marie and the community of St. Jude that has prayed for me throughout the entire process
Assignment: St. Jude the Apostle Church, Jacksonville
Héctor García Blessed Sacrament, Jonesboro
Age: 61
Family: Wife Adelina, three children and eight grandchildren
Occupation: One job with different responsibilities
My calling: I feel blessed and privileged to have received the Lord's call to this ministry and to be a bearer of his Word to all the community.
My ministries: chaplain, minister of the Eucharist, proclaimer of the Gospel, altar server coordinator, prison visits, acolyte.
My influences: St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Paul, Msgr. Scott Friend, Bishop Anthony (Taylor) and my role model, Jesus Christ
Assignment: Blessed Sacrament, Jonesboro
Ángel Guzmán St. Edward, Texarkana
Age: 59
Family: Wife María, two children and five grandchildren
Occupation: Detective, Texarkana Police Department
My calling: I have always been a helpful person both personally and professionally. I had the desire to serve the Lord and the Church more. When I felt the fervent call to become a deacon, I followed it.
My ministries: Translator in parish and missions, lector, Knights of Columbus, volunteer for Randy Sams Shelter and Harvest of Texarkana and member of Christ Renews His Parish
My influences: Msgr. Scott Friend, Father Rubén Quinteros and Father Lawrence Chellaian
Assignment: St. Edward, Texarkana
Carlos Guzmán Blessed Sacrament, Jonesboro
Age: 63
Family: Wife Virginia, three children and two grandchildren
Occupation: Maintaining, processing, drying, loading of rice
My calling: I was invited to apply in the church. This idea caught my attention and now I'm preparing and growing in knowledge of God and how much He needs us. I am grateful to God for all he has blessed us in every aspect.
My ministries: Acción Misionera in St. Peter Parish in Wynne and Retrouvaille team in Jonesboro (to help prepare talks). I serve in Blessed Sacrament Church in Jonesboro as acolyte, minister of Communion, lector and visiting the Newport prison.
My influences: Sister Elaine Willett, my wife, my family and the late Father James Brockman, SJ
Assignment: St. Peter Church, Wynne
John Hall Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock
Age: 53
Family: Wife Theresa and four children
Occupation: Commercial real estate
My calling: From an early age, I have been involved in church activities and ministry -- something I learned from my parents. Although I am not worthy I will, with God's grace, try to serve people in ways that I have never before thought possible.
My ministries: Bible study group facilitator, baptism preparation class instructor, RCIA speaker, Little Rock Scripture Study board member and writer, Serra Club
My influences: I have been blessed to be involved in the Church for most of my life as a volunteer and paid employee at the local, diocesan and regional level. Without a doubt, it is the people of God whom I have served who have sustained me on my spiritual journey. The Benedictines of St. Scholastica, Subiaco Abbey and St. Meinrad have provided the majority of my education and spiritual formation and have been a tremendous influence on my life. Finally, and most importantly, my wife, children and family have been most patient with and supportive of me.
Assignment: Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, Little Rock
Danny Hartnedy St. Edward, Little Rock
Age: 42
Family: Wife Stephanie and two children
Occupation: Junior high religion teacher
My calling: Throughout my life, I have become increasingly attuned to what the Lord wants from me and for me. I have been listening for his voice in prayer, in Scripture, through the wisdom of my family and my church community. Within this last decade, I have heard more clearly his call to serve his people through the ministry of the diaconate and I am willing to be formed for this service.
My ministries: Perpetual adoration, lector, acolyte, RCIA speaker, Boy Scouts, pre-cana, natural family planning, CYM, diocesan youth rally, graduation retreat, Communion to the homebound, Helping Hand, 40 Days for Life
My influences: My wife and family have helped me grow tremendously on this journey and have helped me discern God's call. Jesus, in his sacraments and in his priests, has been extraordinarily powerful in my life. The many folks I've had the privilege to serve over the years have influenced me as well -- in serving I have learned to love to serve.
Assignment: St. Edward Church, Little Rock
Mike Henry St. Joseph, Fayetteville
Age: 69
Family: Wife Nancy, two children and two grandchildren
Occupation: Real estate broker
My calling: In 2004 I was engaged in a conversation with my pastor, Father Paul Worm, on the subject of prayer. He asked me if I had ever considered becoming a deacon. Up to that point, I had never thought about the possibility of becoming clergy. But that conversation began a process of prayer and reflection about the diaconate and I began to sense that God was calling me to serve him and his Church as a deacon. My wife Nancy and I had several conversations about it over a period of years. I kept sharing with her that I was sensing a calling to the diaconate. In 2008, I applied and to my amazement was accepted. After four years of participation in the diaconate formation process, I am still convinced that being a deacon is what God wants for me.
My ministries: Hospice and prison ministry
My influences: Father Paul Worm planted the seed and a long list of other clergy and faithful Catholics helped it move forward.
Assignment: St. Joseph Church, Fayetteville
Ronnie Hoyt St. Vincent DePaul, Rogers
Age: 50
Family: Wife Sharon, five children and three grandchildren
Occupation: Parish manager, St. Vincent de Paul Church
My Calling: After 25 years of employment with Wal-Mart, I felt a need to discern whether I should consider a different path. During this time, I began to see God in a deeper way -- in nature, in my family, in the poor, the sick and in the Blessed Sacrament. I was accepted into the diaconate formation program and serve on the staff of St. Vincent de Paul Church.
My ministries: Haiti mission, Baptism preparation classes, hospice volunteer, Life Teen, Little Rock Scripture Study
My influences: Father Shaun Wesley and Deacon John Pate, who were a source of encouragement, spiritual guidance and instruction over the past four years, and my wife
Assignment: St. Vincent de Paul Church, Rogers
Tom Jakobs Christ the King, Fort Smith
Age: 54
Family: Wife Diane and one child
Occupation: Engineer
My calling: I entered the diaconate with the hope of giving back to God for all I have been given. During the diaconate I have become more aware of how profoundly Christ is present in the body of Christ. I look forward to helping others develop their faith.
My ministries: RCIA, Little Rock Scripture Study, working with people with severe physical disabilities
My influences: My wife, the people I work with, Father Tom Elliott, Abbot Jerome Kodell, OSB, Deacon Tom Pohlmeier
Assignment: Christ the King Church, Fort Smith
Butch King Immaculate Conception, North Little Rock
Age: 59
Family: Wife Debbie, four children, 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren
Occupation: U.S. Postal Service
My calling: I have been a practicing Catholic since 1989. As I continued to grow in the faith, I was nudged to hear about the diaconate. As it turned out, God was calling. I was selected to discern and now I am to become a humble servant. Through many trials and tribulations over the past four years God has prepared me to accept the challenges that are ahead. Our God is awesome, powerful, merciful, loving and forgiving.
My ministries: Confirmation education and Men of Faith
My influences: Father Tom Elliott, Father Richard Dunn and my spiritual advisor, Father Jason Tyler, have been very influential and supportive of my spiritual journey toward the diaconate.
Assignment: Immaculate Conception Church, North Little Rock
Charles Kuehl Immaculate Conception, Fort Smith
Age: 52
Family: Wife Elizabeth, two children and one grandchild
Occupation: Pharmaceutical sales representative
My calling: I was district deputy for Knights of Columbus when the diocese announced the informational meetings for this formation class. I made certain to mention the meetings at every council I visited, telling the men how important they were. Then one Sunday during Mass, God tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I want you to be a deacon." "Me?" "Yes, you." So I applied.
My ministries: RCIA, Men of Faith, pastoral services at a local hospital
My influences: My wife, Deacon Greg Pair, Brother Richard Martens, SM, of San Antonio and many members of the Knights of Columbus all helped me get here. I'd especially like to thank Father Greg Luyet, JCL, and a group of men who meet for Mass and fellowship on Saturday mornings here for helping me grow closer to God.
Assignment: Immaculate Conception Church, Fort Smith
Brian Lachowsky Sr. St. Mary, Altus
Age: 56
Family: Wife Martha, five children and four grandchildren
Occupation: Insurance agent
My calling: I had developed a feeling that I could give more to my church community. Martha and I would soon have an empty home and we wanted to focus our efforts in a direction that counts for more than just ourselves. I spoke to my spiritual advisor about the permanent diaconate, and he encouraged me to pray for discernment.
My ministries: Society of Mary, Knights of Columbus, acolyte, adult faith formation teacher, nursing home visits
My influences: My wife comes from a family of faith and expresses her own deep and healthy faith. My parents' devotion to the faith has always been an inspiration to me. My spiritual advisor, Father David Bellinghausen, OSB, opened my mind and heart to the richness, depth and profound truth of the Catholic Church. The deep and profound spirituality of Msgr. Scott Friend and Father Tom Elliott called to my heart and enriched my love of the Holy Spirit. Deacon Tim Post, Diocese of Dubuque, Iowa, gave me timely and much appreciated support and guidance.
Assignment: St. Mary Church, Altus
Domingo Antonio López St. Michael, Van Buren
Age: 62
Family: Wife Mercedes Cristina, three children and two grandchildren
Occupation: restaurant owner and chef
My calling: First, I know this is God's call to serve him in the liturgy, to proclaim and to bring the Gospel of his son Jesus Christ, the love for the sacred Scriptures with an authentic faith, with obedience to our pastor and our bishop and to be ready to serve him openly in the parish, by putting into practice the teachings we were given during formation. My call to become a deacon is also to help with needs in our community and to be an integral part of the Church ministries in which I have been called to serve.
My ministries: I visit those imprisoned in Fort Smith each week to proclaim the Gospel, readings from the Bible and to share with them Jesus' example and help in the Salvation Army.
My influences: The team, instructors and Deacons Robert Wanless and Marcelino Luna have taught the classes with wisdom and professionalism. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours, visiting the Blessed Sacrament, my personal prayers, my wife's support, my children, my pastor and helping those in need.
Assignment: St. Michael Church, Van Buren
José G. Luebanos Holy Redeemer, El Dorado
Age: 47
Family: Wife Candelaria and two children
Occupation: Maintenance, Anthony Forest Prod. Co.
My calling: I saw the need to help in the Church. I always had the intention to serve and to find the way of helping the Church and the people. When I heard about this program I told myself, this is the opportunity God is offering me, and I took it. I know this is not a bad decision, and I know that God is providing the means and he is guiding me.
My ministries: I serve as acolyte in the English Mass at 10 a.m. and in the Spanish Mass at 12:30 p.m. each Sunday, eucharistic minister and Bible study on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
My influences: Msgr. Scott Friend and Father Rubén Quinteros with their teachings, and my pastor with his support and trust
Assignment: Holy Redeemer Church, El Dorado
Steve Mallett Sacred Heart, Morrilton
Age: 62
Family: Wife Barbara, four children and eight grandchildren
Occupation: Financial advisor
My calling: After seeing a deacon in the neighboring parish, I slowly became more and more interested. Over a period of two or three years, the thought about the diaconate never really went away. Finally, I made an inquiry and the rest is history.
My ministries: Lector, eucharistic minister
My influences: Deacon Richard Papini in Conway is the deacon I saw years ago, and I thought he looked like he really enjoyed being a deacon. Also, I have to include my classmates in the program. Last but surely not least my wife. Without her, I never would have made it. We are a team, just as it should be.
Assignment: Sacred Heart Church, Morrilton
Ricardo José Puello St. Mary, Paragould
Age: 58
Wife: Wife Rosario, six children, three grandchildren and one more on the way
Occupation: Surgical technician
My calling: The first time I was called to join this ministry it was in 1995 while living in Florida. Father Terry Casick asked me to join the program, but because we had four children under 15 years old I was disqualified. It was after a long period of trial and testing that serve to consolidate our faith as a family that God called us again in 2004 to the diaconate. Thanks to Father John Marconi, Sister Elaine Willett and Father Mark Wood, I signed up for the program, but again, without a bishop, we had to wait three years to start. All of this had to happen for us, as a family, be ready and confident to let our Lord to guide us in our formation to serve him in his people.
My ministries: marriage preparation, natural family planning training. sacristan, mission outreach charity clinic, adoration of the Holy Eucharist, Communion to the sick
My influences: Father John Marconi, my friend, spiritual director and role model
Family: Wife Rosa Ramírez López, four children and three grandchildren
Occupation: Welder
My calling: I remember my oldest brother telling me many times that his son was a gangster and didn't know what to do. That is when I decided to search, I felt the need for God in order to be able to help the youth, but throughout the years I realized that everything had to do with the lifestyle that many families or many marriages have. That is when I decided to search within the family, a foundation for the children's future. I realized that whatever children see in their household has side effects on their behavior. This is why nowadays I talk to families about our children's behavior. When they experience arguing, fights or indifference in their homes, mainly between their mom and dad, this is the opportunity I have to talk to them about God's love.
My ministries: prison ministry, marriage preparation classes
My influences: My children and my wife
Assignment: Blessed Sacrament Church, Jonesboro
Jesús Ramos Reyes St. Stephen, Bentonville
Family: Wife Norma Marín and two children
Age: 43
Occupation: Construction
My calling: During my childhood I always had the interest to become a priest, but I didn't have my mother's support. Time passed and I got married. After that I had a personal encounter with Christ, by living my piety, my study and action. This is how I had more contact and a closer relationship with God. After this I felt the call to the diaconate, and by the grace of God I was accepted.
My ministries: Marriage preparation classes, baptism classes, visiting the sick
My influences: Jesus, St. Paul, St. Pio, all spiritual directors I've had and the instructors
Assignment: St. Stephen Church, Bentonville
Mike Rector Christ the King, Little Rock
Age: 62
Family: Wife Roz, four children and six grandchildren
Occupation: Asphalt paving contractor
My calling: As a boy and young man, I've always felt a special presence of our Lord. This presence was deeply reinforced on my Cursillo weekend in 1990, but as a young father of four, the timing wasn't right. In 2008, with support from my wife, my family, our Christian community and Deacon Bill Hartman, I applied for the diaconate formation class and was accepted.
My ministries: Marriage encounter, bereavement ministry, eucharistic adoration, Men of Faith, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and Serra Club
My influences: Deacons Don Greenway, Bill Hartmann, Don Cashman, Robert Wanless and Bo McAllister, Father Udo Ogbuji, Msgr. Francis Malone, Msgr. Scott Friend and my wife
Assignment: Christ the King Church, Little Rock
Tim Sampolesi Our Lady of the Lake, Lake Village
Age: 50
Family: Wife Janie, three children and five grandchildren
Occupation: Farmer
My calling: Our parish has never had a deacon so I didn't know much about deacons. I've always been supportive of our parish priests and I wanted to do more to help them. As I began formation, I learned that a deacon was more than a helper for priests. He is committed to serving all members of the parish and community. Working to make things better for our fellow man is the true call of Christ.
My ministries: RCIA, CYM, Communion to shut-ins, food pantry, sacristan
My influences: My wife has been a great influence on my spiritual life. Also, there are many members of my parish who have by their example showed me we are all are called to live a life in service of others. I have also been the recipient of many prayers and much encouragement from members of my parish and from friends of other faith traditions.
Assignment: Our Lady of the Lake Church, Lake Village; Holy Cross Church, Crossett; and Holy Spirit Church, Hamburg
Israel Sánchez St. Barbara, De Queen
Age: 50
Family: Wife Norma Alicia, two children and two grandchildren
Occupation: Maintenance, Pilgrim's Pride
My calling: When I began to walk the path of the Lord I realized that God needed more servants for his people and I answered, "Lord, here I am."
My ministries: I am currently serving on the altar, but I also help couples with marriage problems, teenagers and Fuerza Transformadora (Transforming Force)
My influences: The Son of God, who has touched my heart, has deeply influenced me as well as Msgr. Scott Friend. I'm amazed every time I see the great love he has for God and his people.
Assignment: St. Barbara Church, De Queen
Mark Scouten Mary Mother of God, Harrison
Age: 59
Family: Wife Elisabeth, four children and six grandchildren
Occupation: Child nutrition specialist
My calling: I have felt the call for over 20 years, but I did not know about the diaconate or even that there was such a thing as a deacon. As a eucharistic minister in the military, I celebrated countless Communion services in the field for those deployed. After I retired and moved to Arkansas, I heard about deacons, so I looked into it. When they made the rounds of informational meetings, I listened to what they had to say and I applied.
My ministries: Tribunal advocate, trainer of lectors, Eucharistic ministers, ushers and altar servers, Ozark Share and Care and House of Hope
My influences: My wife, Father Greg Hart and Father Jim Fanrak
Assignment: Mary Mother of God Church, Harrison
Bob Standridge St. John the Baptist, Hot Springs
Age: 56
Family: Wife Paula, one child and one grandchild
Occupation: Real estate
My calling: I attended Mass with my wife as a non-Catholic and was drawn to the ministry of diaconate for its unique gift that it gives to the Church. My desire grew as the years went by. Cursillo was a big part in my spiritual growth. I ended up serving on many teams and was also involved on a much smaller level in Kairos prison ministry. During that time I also served in my parish with different ministries, activities and functions, all the while hoping that another diaconate class would form and if it did, that I would be considered for the program.
My ministries: Nursing home visits, extraordinary eucharistic minister
My influences: Father Ernie Hardesty brought me into the light of faith. Deacon Joe Harrison touched me with the light of faith. Father James West taught me the faith. Father Linus Ukomadu is my friend in faith. Father Erik Pohlmeier guided, directed and helped me grow in my faith. My wife Paula and I share our love in our faith.
Assignment: St. John the Baptist Church, Hot Springs
Kenny Stengel St. Anthony Parish, Ratcliff
Age: 57
Family: Wife Pat, four children and nine grandchildren
Occupation: Rancher
My calling: I have been active in the Church since beginning to serve Mass 50 years ago. Four years ago during Lent, I felt that the Lord was asking me to do something more for his Church, but I was not understanding what this might be. I received a phone call from the current deacon at our church asking me if I had ever thought about being a deacon. I felt all throughout formation this is where God wants me to be.
My ministries: Acolyte, training of altar servers, organization of adoration service, celebrating exposition and reposition service, planning and facilitating First Friday services; making home visits to families, court-appointed CASA volunteer advocate
My influences: The primary support in this journey has been given by my wife, who introduced me to the spirituality of Mother Teresa and with her, I got involved in the Lay Missionaries of Charity. Father Don Tranel, GHM, was always very supportive and encouraging. Deacon Mark Shea guided me through some built-up baggage from my early life and Father Bruno Fuhrman, OSB, led me to the completion of formation with wise Benedictine values.
Assignment: parish pastoral administrator, St. Anthony Church, Ratcliff; and deacon, Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Booneville
Efraín Antonio Vargas St. Edward, Little Rock
Age: 56
Family: Wife María and one child (one child is deceased)
My calling: Several years ago I was in the seminary to become a priest, but a war in my country of origin kept me from continuing. But I kept going forward, I got married and with God and my wife's help I haven't stopped serving the Lord. In the call to the diaconate I understood that the Lord had something for me. I know that I have to work; it will be difficult but not impossible. I trust the Holy Spirit; he will prepare this servant to serve God's people.
My ministries: To help the priest each Sunday, to read and to share with new lectors
My influences: God, the Holy Spirit and praying with my family have strengthened me to continue going forward in this journey that God has entrusted me.
Assignment: St. Rose of Lima Church, Carlisle; and St. Edward Church, Little Rock
Marcelino Vázquez St. Joseph, Fayetteville
Age: 40
Family: Wife María and five children
Occupation: Inventory control, Kawneer
My calling: This call has been a great blessing for me and my family because I have realized there's a great need in our community and God has put me in this path in which I want to serve him with all my heart, if he lets me.
My ministries: Extraordinary minister of Communion, acolyte, lector
My influences: Father Rubén Quinteros and Msgr. Scott Friend
Assignment: St. Joseph Church, Fayetteville
Mark Verkamp Sacred Heart, Charleston
Age: 50
Family: Wife Tracy and four children
Occupation: Remodeling contractor
My calling: I have been blessed with a curiosity of our Church, the Bible and salvation history. While satisfying this curiosity through reading, it developed into a great love of the Church and profound gratitude for the love of Christ that makes our salvation possible. Becoming a deacon is such a blessing in that in some small way I can share proclaiming the kingdom of God.
My ministries: RCIA, tribunal advocate and ministerial alliance
My influences: My parents, Father Peter Sharum, my wife, Sister Rachel Dietz, my spiritual advisor, Father Patrick Wathika, my daughters Jennifer, Bethany, Emily and Erica.
Assignment: Sacred Heart Church, Charleston
César Villafranca Immaculate Conception, Fort Smith
Age: 46
Family: Wife Hilda and four children
Occupation: manager of information systems and inventory control
My calling: Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed helping others, specially the poor. After my experience with God during a Cursillo retreat, I learned that I need to use all the gifts that I have received from God by sharing them with others and most important to share the Gospel especially with those who are still in darkness.
My ministries: I have been visiting patients as a pastoral aide in a local hospital.
My influences: Father Eddie D'Almeida, Father Greg Luyet and Deacon Greg Pair. But I would like to recognize the incredible dedication and support that have received from my wife, and the prayers of my mother and many friends and family members.
Assignment: Immaculate Conception Church, Fort Smith
Bob Ward Immaculate Conception, Blytheville
Age: 48
Family: Wife Sheila, two children and one grandchild
Occupation: Co-owner, Quality Printing
My calling: I didn't have a blinding light moment. It was just a gentle, persistent nudge. About halfway through the program, I felt that I was truly called to this ministry. After that moment, it was like all of the resistance was behind me.
My ministries: Calling on shut-ins and making hospital visits
My influences: Father Joe Pallo was our priest for over 20 years, and he had a big impact on my understanding of the faith and holy orders. My wife helped me stay focused throughout the four-and-a-half-year formation journey.
Assignment: Immaculate Conception Church, Blytheville; St. Norbert Church, Marked Tree, and St. Matthew Church, Osceola
Aroldo Jonás Zacarías Immaculate Conception, Fort Smith
Age: 52
Family: Wife Nora, five children and seven grandchildren
Occupation: Fork-lift operator
My calling: Unfortunately when the Lord Jesus called me to the diaconate, the same thing that happened to the prophet Samuel, happened to me; I didn't recognize the voice of our Lord God. I thought that when Sister Josefina (Gutierrez), Deacon Greg (Pair) and Msgr. Richard (Oswald) mentioned it to me, I thought that this call came from them. I thought this because they knew me as a servant in the parish. It wasn't until after a year in the formation program that God used Deacon Marcelino Luna to make me realize that this call came from God and he was just using these holy people to bring me to this great blessing he had prepared for me.
My ministries: Minister of communion, pastoral aide in Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith
My influence: I am grateful to Deacon Greg Pair, who has been my spiritual counselor in this journey, and to Deacon Marcelino Luna who has been a great help to overcome many obstacles I had to go through during formation.
Assignment: Immaculate Conception Church, Fort Smith
Salvador Zavala St. Mary, Siloam Springs
Age: 64
Family: Wife Leticia, five children and five grandchildren
Occupation: Supervisor
My calling: I felt the desire to prepare to become a deacon since the 1980s, but I was never invited in Mexico. It was here in the United States when I was invited by the Lord through Father Clayton (Gould) and this was confirmed later when the election of new candidates began. I was called by Father Jason (Tyler) and I accepted the invitation, and here I am with my firm decision to become a permanent deacon.
My ministries: I currently serve as acolyte and help my wife in the RCIA program
My influences: Mostly my wife, children, brothers and sisters and the entire community of Siloam Springs who have always encouraged me to go on. Amen, the love and presence of Jesus Christ in my life truly strengthens me and encourages me to go on.
What the Catholic Church teaches about purpose for work