GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

After retiring from our floor covering business in Rockaway, NJ, my wife, Helen Ann, and I recently moved to Greensboro from Morristown, NJ to be closer to some of our family. After attending mass at several churches in the area, Helen Ann and I felt St. Pius X was perfect for us.   I met with Msgr. Marcaccio to inquire whether or not he had need of an additional deacon at St. Pius X. He advised me that he would contact the Bishop and am pleased that Bishop Jugis has given authority for me to serve as a Deacon here at St. Pius X.

​

I was ordained a Deacon in 2001 for the Diocese of Paterson, NJ where I served in two parishes and a Carmelite Monastery. Along with being Director of Formation, Helen Ann and I mentored diaconate classes for ten years. At that time, in the Diocese of Paterson, wives were permitted to attend all classes with their husbands. In addition to being involved in the formation of new deacons, my duties included assisting at mass, baptisms, wakes, funerals, gravesides, marriage prep, weddings, assisting with annulments, exposition & benediction, morning and evening prayer, Coordinator of the RCIA process and many other duties assigned to a deacon. I was also chaplain at a local nursing home and celebrated prayer services at the county nursing home.

​

Being a deacon is a special grace and I enjoy all the aspects of this ministry especially when I see the smiles and the unconditional love parents show while seeing their children being baptized.  I feel privileged to be able to bring Eucharist to the elderly, sick and homebound and to spend time listening to them and sharing our faith.

 

Along with being a lector and extraordinary minister of holy communion, Helen Ann was involved in various ministries. She prepared the weekly bulletin at one parish, coordinated the senior citizen luncheons and trips along with assisting me as coordinator of the RCIA process for over 25 years. My wife and I look forward to being part of St. Pius X parish.

​