Called to serve!

Elmer Ramiro Arias López
Family: 1 daughter
Occupation: Maintenance
Parish: St. Catherine of Siena, Mobile
Parish/Church Ministries: Welcome people into Church before Mass, Lector, Coordinator of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Acolyte, Catechist.
In his words: "First of all, I am very grateful to God, because since I was very young, He has called me to be close to Him, serving in the church and my brothers. From a young age, I had a call to the priesthood, and at the last moment, I decided not to go to the seminary. Years passed, I came to the United States and joined the church, about 15 years ago. I began to research how I could prepare myself for the diaconate; at that time, they told me I couldn't, and 9 years ago I researched again and fill out the documents, and in the end, I did not enter. Now I felt God's call stronger. 5 years ago, I started the preparation, and thanks to God we are already finishing the program. I feel very blessed because after so many calls, if it is God's will, I will continue serving in the ordained ministry in obedience to our bishop, working in our parishes with joy, humility, and love, treating our brothers as our Lord Jesus Christ treats us. being the servant of others."
 
Miguel Blanco Alvarado
Family: Wife, Socorro Hernandez Porias;
 1 son.
Occupation: Forklift Driver
Parish: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Clio
Parish/Church Ministries:
Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Homebound/Sick Ministry, Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Catolico, Knights of Columbus
In his words: "Ever since I was a child, I felt drawn to assisting at the altar as an altar server; however, the opportunity never arose. When I finally arrived in the United States, the very first thing I did was give thanks to God—with tears of emotion streaming down my face—for the journey had been arduous. I began attending Mass at the church closest to my workplace.
When the Mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe was established in Clio, Alabama—thanks be to God and to our Trinitarian brothers—we were invited to participate in various ministries, such as the Pastoral Council and the Lectors. Subsequently, I was commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion; I was invited to join the Knights of Columbus; and, together with my wife, I became an active member of the Catholic Christian Family Movement of the United States.
On occasion, I have asked God: "What is it You desire of me, Lord?" And suddenly, I hear the singing of the birds, or I gaze upon the silhouettes of the trees—with their leaves of varying hues—and the vibrant colors of the flowers. I lift my eyes toward the heavens and behold His creation; through all of this, God answers me in His infinite mercy. The Lord provides every means necessary for us to move forward; the only thing I must do is say "yes" to His call—to open my heart to God and let Him enter, so that He may cleanse me of anything that prevents my light from shining, and so that, through prayer, I may serve both God and my neighbor through my call to the Diaconate.
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Desde un niño me llamaba la atención ayudar en el altar como monaguillo, pero no se me dio la oportunidad y cuando llegué a los Estados Unidos, lo primero que hice fue dar gracias a Dios con lágrimas en los ojos por la emoción.  Porque el trayecto fue difícil. Empecé a asistir a misa en la Iglesia más cercana a mi trabajo. 
Cuando se formó la misión de nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Clío, Al, gracias a dios y a nuestros hermanos Trinitarios. Nos invitaron a participar en los diferentes servicios ejemplo: concejo pastoral, lectores, posteriormente me consagraron como ministro extraordinario, fue invitado para pertenecer a los Caballeros de Colon, me integre junto con mi esposa como miembros del Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Católico de los Estados Unidos. 
En ocasiones yo le he preguntado a Dios quieres de mi Señor. Y de pronto escucho el canto de los pajaros 0 veo el contorno de los arboles con sus diferentes colores de hojas el color vivo de las flores, dirijo mi vista al cielo y veo su creación y todo eso me responde Dios en su infinita misericordia.   Y el Señor pone todos los medios para salir adelante lo único que tengo que hacer es decir si al llamado abrirle el corazón a Dios y dejarlo entrar para que me limpie de todo lo que no me deja brillar y que a través de la oración y o pueda servir a Dios y a mi prójimo a través del llamado al Diaconado.  
 
Eric J. Brickman
Family: Wife, Ange Brickman; 3 children
Occupation: Parish Manager
Parish: St. Columba, Dothan
Parish/Church Ministries: Extraordinary Minister, Acolyte, Lector, Finance Council, Coordinator for Church Administration and Facilities
In his words: "The most important thing in anyone’s life is following the will of God.   About twelve years ago, I was encouraged by my parents to look into the Diaconate as a secondary vocation in my life.   The application sat on my desk at home for more than five years until Deacon Joe Mueller mentioned the possibility of my discernment.  This five-year journey for both my wife and myself has been incredibly enriching for both our individual relationships with Christ and the relationship we share with Him in our marriage.  We pray that He will be our strength as we provide for the needs of the Archdiocese of Mobile by reflecting Christ’s servant heart.
 
Juan A. Cepero
Family: Wife, Lynette Cepero; 3 sons
Occupation: Director of Technology - Dale County Board of Education
Parish: St. Columba, Dothan
Parish/Church ministries: Cursillo, Camino de Emaus, Choir, Knights of Columbus, FDD, PGK, Light of the World, Confirmation Class Leader, SEPI, Encuentro V, Former Pastoral Council Member.
In his words: "St. Columba Church has been my spiritual home for 27 years, the place where my faith grew and God slowly revealed His call on my life. Through prayer, service, and formation in the Archdiocese of Mobile, that call became clearer and deeper. The journey has not always been easy, but grace has carried me through each step. As our ordination approaches, I feel humbled, thankful, and ready to serve the Church and the people of God with joy, compassion, and devotion. Gracias Jesús, por el regalo del Diaconado."
 
Jeffery Glenn Fairley, Jr.
Family: Wife, Carrie; 
 2 children
Occupation: Property and Casualty Insurance Claims and Underwriting
Parish: St. Ignatius, Mobile
Parish/Church Ministries: Men of St. Joseph, Service Committee, Lector, Acolyte, Visiting the Homebound
In his words: "When I entered the formation program, I felt 'called' to become a permanent deacon but was unsure of what it meant to be called. It seemed a subjective concept at the time, but thanks be to God, through the process of formation and multiple years of prayer and discernment, the call has become very clear. I look forward to ordination day with anxious anticipation and tremendous gratitude for the support of my wife, family, friends, and all who have been a part of the process, especially through prayer and words of encouragement." 
 
Jorge Gordillo
Family: Wife Leticia; 3 daughters
Occupation: Welder
Parish: St. John the Evangelist, Enterprise
Parish/Church ministries: Acolyte
In his words: "As a young man, I attended seminary. Although it wasn’t the right time for me, I always felt God’s call. In 2016, after praying, I approached the pastor. With his help, I began the Permanent Diaconate formation process. Now, and despite a few setbacks, I still long to serve God. I hope to grow in faith and in love for God, whom I wish to serve with dignity.
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De joven asistí al Seminario; aunque no era mi tiempo, siempre sentí el llamado de Dios. En 2016, después de orar durante días, me acerqué al párroco y, con su ayuda, inicié el proceso de formación para el Diaconado Permanente. Algunos años después y tras algunos tropiezos, sigo anhelando servir a Dios.  Espero crecer en la fe y en el amor a Dios, a quien deseo servir con dignidad.
 
Todd W. Klusek
Family: Wife, Cathleen; 2 sons
Occupation: Retired Air Force, Project Lead supporting Air Force Distance Learning
Parish: St. Bede the Venerable, Montgomery
Parish/Church ministries: Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Mass and to the Homebound of the Parish, Religious Education, OCIA, Parish Youth Group, Lector, Men of St. Joseph.
In his words: "My vocation story begins with, and centers on, my receptivity to receiving the Eucharist daily, striving to be a Eucharistic being and saying yes to the Holy Spirit. As ordination nears, my only thoughts are of overwhelming appreciation for all of God's blessings, most especially the people he has placed in my life. I am truly an unworthy yet thankful servant and child of God." 
 
 
David R. Leibold
Family: Wife Judy; 2 children
Occupation: Retired Fiber Supply Manager from International Paper. Now manage own forest land.
Parish: Christ the King, Daphne
Parish/Church ministries: Extraordinary Minister, Alter server, Lector, Acyolite, Cursillo.
In his words: “My desire to pursue the Deacon role at my parish was driven by a strong feeling to help Christ in His mission to save souls.  I have discovered as I draw closer to ordination, I have drawn closer to Christ.”
 
Jeffrey W. Lesh
Family: Wife, Joanne; 4 children
Occupation: Military Aviation Analyst at Fort Rucker
Parish: St. John the Evangelist, Enterprise 
Parish/Church ministries: OCIA Teacher, Discipleship Group Leader, Serve on the Altar weekly, Support Parish Finance Council and Pastoral Council.
In his words:   “Discernment started during Lent with my 'sacrifice' to say yes to anything faith related, hoping to grow.   I saw an article in the Catholic Week on the Deacon next class starting and how to apply.  I casually mentioned to my wife, “so that’s how Deacons are made.”   She immediately asked if I was going to apply since I would make a good Deacon.  It was not something I ever considered. Since I was saying yes to everything faith related.  I said yes.   After much discernment from a simple yes, I truly believe that this is God calling us.”
 
José Antonio Rodriguez
Family: Wife, Veronica Avalos de Rodriguez; 3 children
Occupation: Partner and restaurant employee
Parish: St. Patrick, Robertsdale
Ministries: Lector, Altar Server, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and strengthening families in the faith
In his words: "Looking back on my spiritual journey and all the people God has used — and continues to use — to guide me since my conversion, I remember attending my spiritual retreat (Emmaus) in 2012. It was there that I came to know the love of God, a love that changed my life and led me to serve Him with all my heart within the Church and the community to which I belong. Even now, as I continue my formation to become a Permanent Deacon, God has never left me alone.
Throughout this time of service, God has helped me remain close to Him and love both Him and my neighbor. He prepared me for the day when I would receive the invitation to begin formation for the Permanent Diaconate. Through that invitation, God touched my heart and placed within me a deep desire to answer His call and enter this training.
To this very day, I continue attending and participating in formation with great love. I have learned so much, and I know I will continue learning every day. I am excited, joyful, and deeply grateful that this special and momentous occasion is approaching — not only for me, but also for my family, my Church, and my community. I await it with faith and hope so that I may serve my Church, my diocese, and my community as an ordained Permanent Deacon, bringing Jesus wherever I go. With humility, I hope to be a worthy instrument of God’s blessings for others.
Now that we are very close to ordination, I am deeply grateful to God; to all the deacons and teachers who have accompanied us throughout our formation; and to my family — especially my wife, Verónica, for all her support, and my children for their encouragement and love. I am also very grateful for the support and prayers of Father James N. Morrison, as well as the prayers of my community. I humbly ask that you continue praying for me and my fellow candidates. Amen.
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Recordando todo el proceso de mi formación, de todas las personas que Dios utilizó y sigue utilizando para alludarme desde mi conversión cuando viví mi retiro espiritual (Emaús) en el año 2012 donde conocí el amor de Dios que me alludo a cambiar mi vida, amor que me llevó a servirle a Dios con todo mi corazón en la Iglesia y a la comunidad en la cual pertenezco,
hasta ahorita en este momento de mi vida que me encuetro en la formación para Diácono Permanente Dios nunca me ha dejado solo.
Durante todo este tiempo de servicio Dios me ha ayudado a mantenerme cerca de Él y amarlo a Él y al prójimo y me fue preparando para el dia que se me iba a presentar la invitación a la formación para Diácono Permanente porque en esa invitación Dios tocó mi corazón y sentí un deseo muy grande en mi interior de asistir a la formación y acudi al llamado, a la formación que hasta el dia de hoy e estado asistiendo y atendiendo y con mucho amor, e aprendido mucho pero tambien se que ire aprendiendo cada dia mas, estoy muy emocionado, muy feliz y contento de que se llegue ese día ese momento tan especial y grande en mi vida, en mi familia, en mi Iglesia y mi comunidad y lo espero con mucha Fe y Eperanza para servir en mi Iglesia en mi Diosesis, en mi comunidad como Diácono Permanente ordenado, y llevar a Jesus a donde quiera que vaya donde quiera que esté con humildad y ser un medio digno para para dar la bendición de Dios a los demás.
Ahora que estamos muy cerca de la ordenación estoy muy agradecido con Dios,con todos los Diáconos y profesores que han estado acompañándonos en el proceso de formación, con mi Familia: mi Esposa Verónica por todo su apoyo y el apoyo de mis Hijos. También estoy muy agradecido por el apoyo del Padre James N. Morrison por sus oraciones y también a mi comunidad y a sus oraciones. Y les pido que sigan orando por mi y por mis compañeros. Amen.
 
Gustavo Roldán Vargas
Family: Wife, María Concepción Saucedo; 3 children
Occupation: Construction; partner in J&G Concrete LLC
Parish: St. Patrick, Robertsdale
Parish/Church Ministries: Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to the sick, Religious Education Instructor (RCIA), Sacristan, Acolyte, and Marriage Preparation Ministry
In his own words: “The fruit of love is service.” When I realized just how much Jesus loves us — so much that His love led Him to sacrifice His life for our salvation — and that He allows us to know Him personally, not simply through hearsay, I knew that I wanted to serve Him always and grow closer to Him.
During my formation, I have come to realize how blessed I am because of the family God has given me. Together on this journey, we have discovered what God is asking of us, and today we are stronger than ever through His infinite mercy. I am deeply grateful to my wife for her unconditional support and to our children, who have sacrificed so much in order to support us throughout this process.
God has greatly blessed us through our community at St. Patrick’s Parish in Robertsdale, Alabama, both in the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities. They have never left us alone and continue praying that we may receive God’s grace. In return, we are willing to serve with joyful and sincere hearts.
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“El fruto del Amor es el servicio” cuando comprendí lo mucho que Jesus nos ama, al punto que su amor lo llevo a sacrificar su vida por Nuestra Salvación   y nos ha permitido conocerlo, personalmente no solo de oídas, por eso deseo servirle siempre y para estar más cerca de Él. 
Durante la formación me he dado cuenta de lo bendecido que soy, por la familia que Dios ha creado para mí, hemos descubierto juntos en este caminar lo que Dios quiere de nosotros, y hoy, somos más fuertes que nunca gracias a su infinita Misericordia. Agradezco a mi esposa por su apoyo incondicional, al igual a nuestros hijos porque han sacrificado mucho en apoyarnos.
Dios nos ha bendecido grandemente con nuestra comunidad en St. Patrick Parish Roberstdale AL tanto en habla inglesa como en habla hispana, no nos han dejado solos, están en oración por nosotros para alcanzar la gracia de Dios, por nuestra parte está la voluntad, para servir con un corazón alegre y sincero.     
 
José Guadalupe Vázquez Camacho
Family: Wife, Maria Elena Diaz Galvan; 2 children
Occupation: Bricklayer
Parish: St. Joseph, Holy Trinity
Parish/Church Ministries:
Lector, Altar Server, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Pastoral Council
In his own words: My name is José Guadalupe Vázquez Camacho, and my wife is Maria Elena Diaz Galvan. By the grace of God our Father, we have been blessed with two beautiful children, Briana and Adolfo Vázquez.
I am deeply grateful for the unconditional support they have given me since I first began discerning the call to the Permanent Diaconate. Without a doubt, being part of this formation process for the Permanent Diaconate has been a tremendous blessing.
Personally, and as a family, this journey has brought us closer to God and made us more attentive to the needs of the parish and the wider community.
Throughout this process, the teachers and deacons have been a great blessing and tremendous help in our formation.
And thanks be to God, at this very moment, it has become my deepest desire to be ordained as a Permanent Deacon. As the day of ordination draws nearer, my whole being trembles with joy as I long for that day to arrive.
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Mi nombre es; José Guadalupe Vázquez Camacho y mi esposa; Maria Elena Diaz Galvan
Y por la bendición de nuestro padre Dios tenemos la dicha de ser padres de 2 hermosos hijos 
Briana y Adolfo Vazquez y estoy muy agradecido de saber que me brindan todo su apoyo incondicionalmente desde que empezamos a discernir este llamado al Diaconado Permanente y sin duda alguna ha sido una gran bendición el poder ser parte de esta formación al Diaconado Permanente.
Personalmente y familiarmente,nos ha acercado más a Dios y a estar más abiertos a las necesidades de la parroquia y fuera de la parroquia.
Y durante todo el proceso por parte de maestros y diáconos ha sido de mucha bendición y mucha ayuda en este proceso de formación.
Y gracias a Dios hoy ya en este momento se ha convertido en un anhelo el ser ordenado como Diácono Permanente y conforme se está acercando la fecha de la ordenación todo mi ser se estremece de alegría anhelando el día de la ordenación.Gracias y que DIOS los bendiga.    
 
Christopher William Weller, Sr.
Family: Wife, Julia; 2 children
Occupation: Labor & Employment Attorney
Parish: St. Peter, Montgomery
Parish/Church ministries: Lector, Parish Finance Counsel, Montgomery Catholic High School Advisory Board, and Altar Server
In his words: "My spiritual journey toward the ordained ministry of the Permanent Diaconate began in a home deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. I was blessed with loving parents who actively modeled a life of prayer for my siblings and me. Daily prayer, Scripture, the rosary, regular confession, Eucharistic adoration, devotion to the saints, and Sunday Mass formed the rhythm of our family life. Faith then, as now, was not an accessory in our home—it was the foundation. Those early experiences instilled in me a reverence for prayer, the sacraments, and the communal life of the Church that remains with me today. As I approach ordination, I look forward to serving my parish community and the Archdiocese of Mobile with a compassionate, servant’s heart."
 
John C. Williams
Family: Wife, Dr Maureen Baldy; 2 sons
Occupation: Rites from US Army and Mobile City Council
Parish: Little Flower, Mobile
Parish/Church Ministries: Cantor, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and OCIA staff assistant  
In his words: "My Journey started on 4-3-21 with Deacon Ron Martin approaching me before the Easter Vigil—I was honored to be asked, and, thinking I was ready, hoped for a quick and easy path to “becoming a Deacon”. Here we are, several weeks from ordination, and boy do I have a lot to learn. No question, we have received the best guidance and instruction over these five years—now we turn it over to Jesus and pledge our gratitude, obedience, and discipline so we may serve him always.  And YES, I am nervous and anxious, but I trust in his sufficient graces."