Joe Marotta
Acolyte
Diocese of[br]Richmond[br]Class of 2012
Posts: 34
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Post by Joe Marotta on May 19, 2008 19:57:09 GMT -5
I've noticed that there are a bunch of new members, many of whom appear to be candidates or aspirants. I am in the middle of the application process in the Richmond, VA diocese and would be interested the input of others.
What has your experience been thus far?
How has your journey affected your family?
What do enjoy the most?
What are you most excited about right now?
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Post by Bob Lania on Jan 11, 2009 23:22:32 GMT -5
Hello, I too is very much interested to know their answers to your questions. It has been in my heart this past six months about being a deacon. I have been praying about this and continue to do so. I believe there is a application process coming up this May 2009. I am in Virginia Beach,Va. Peace.
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Joe Marotta
Acolyte
Diocese of[br]Richmond[br]Class of 2012
Posts: 34
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Post by Joe Marotta on Jan 28, 2009 9:50:37 GMT -5
Bob,
Welcome! I will be sure to keep you in my prayers. The class before you (49 men) just met this past weekend. I am really glad to hear that there may be another group next year. The diaconate is alive and well in Virginia!
Peace,
Joe
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Jim Bauhs
New Member
Archdiocese of[br]St Paul and Minneapolis[br]Class of 2010
Posts: 4
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Post by Jim Bauhs on Feb 1, 2009 21:25:17 GMT -5
Joe,
Congratulations on listening to the call of the Father. I too was once at the same point as you. That was over 3 years ago. I am now in my 2nd yr of formation following obviously a successful Aspirancy year of discernment. God willing I will be ordained in the fall of 2010.
The journey has been, and continues to be, fantastic. I am in the Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapoils. I expect that I may be in the last class of our 4 year program. Our program is under review for improvement/enhancement and thus we have not had an Aspirant class for 2, and likely 3 years. However, there continues to be great interest throughout the diocese.
To address your questions: 1) Experiences so far? Absolutely amazing to see how God is working with and through everyone involved. The joys continue to surprise me. 2) How has the journey affected the family? Our two children are grown and out of the house (25 & 23). Our marriage of 30 yrs has gotten stronger. My wife and I have been drawn closer together. She has noticed positive changes in me. 3) What do I enjoy the most? Surprisingly, giving up control to God and seeing where he is taking me. 4) What am I most excited about now? The anticipation of what comes next. Observing the clases ahead of us and coming to the realization that, God willing, I too will be there in what is becoming a very short time.
God is GREAT!
Jim
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Anthony AKA Triumphguy
Guest
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Post by Anthony AKA Triumphguy on May 21, 2012 10:51:24 GMT -5
I'm an aspirant too. I've completed all the security checks, psych testing, family visits, interviews etc and am just waiting for the answer.
This has been a great learning experience for me and my wife. Inspiring too and has helped our marriage.
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triumphguy
New Member
Diocese of Calgary[br]Ordination 2015
Posts: 8
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Post by triumphguy on Jul 13, 2012 0:10:42 GMT -5
Here now as Triumphguy!
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Joe Marotta
Acolyte
Diocese of[br]Richmond[br]Class of 2012
Posts: 34
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Post by Joe Marotta on Jul 13, 2012 9:16:48 GMT -5
Welcome, Anthony!
It seems like just yesterday I was where you were... about to embark on a year of aspirancy and unsure what God had in store. Last wee I completed my pre-ordination retreat, and three months from today, I will be ordained@
Be sure to savor every moment of this time to prepare - most important is listening for the still voice of God in all that you do. He will guide you in ways you cannot imagine!
Best of luck and let me know if I can help in any way!!!
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86izsf93xmjangh7dxa6
Guest
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Post by 86izsf93xmjangh7dxa6 on Jul 13, 2012 10:47:36 GMT -5
my experience has mostly been very positive but there is still lots to learn. my family consists of my wife and i and she is the most supportive of this more than anything in our past. what i have learned since ordination is that in all the years of formation no one ever told any of us how much fun this is.
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triumphguy
New Member
Diocese of Calgary[br]Ordination 2015
Posts: 8
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Post by triumphguy on Jul 13, 2012 17:51:51 GMT -5
Welcome, Anthony! It seems like just yesterday I was where you were... about to embark on a year of aspirancy and unsure what God had in store. Last wee I completed my pre-ordination retreat, and three months from today, I will be ordained@ Be sure to savor every moment of this time to prepare - most important is listening for the still voice of God in all that you do. He will guide you in ways you cannot imagine! Best of luck and let me know if I can help in any way!!! Thanks Joe.
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jaykrueger
New Member
Arcdiocese of[br]Los Angeles[br]Ordination 2017
Posts: 5
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Post by jaykrueger on Jul 25, 2012 16:24:17 GMT -5
My wife and I were recently accepted into the program in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. We seriously started looking into the Diaconate in January of last year. The application process was wonderful. Since our Parish does not have a Deacon, we met with our Parish Life Director (Our Parish does not have a Pastor) to see if there was a need. We then met with those who were responsible for areas that a Deacon would be involved in (liturgy, pastoral care, giving bank, and social justice). We kept them informed as we completed each step. We met on several occasions and prayed together. Once we completed all of the interviews and were waiting for a response, my prayer changed from being accepted into the program to that the selection team pick those applicants who would serve the Archdiocese the best.
My wife and I concluded, prior to our acceptance, that what we learned through the application process, about ourselves, our lives with each other, and our relationship with God was wonderful. Even if we we not accepted, the initial journey was amazing.
We have three adult children who support our becoming a Diaconate Couple.
We are enjoying our summer studies in preparation for the start of our classes in September. We are in the process of preparing a catechesis for the Parish on what a Deacon Couple is and what they do.
What we am most excited about right now is seeing how the Holy Spirit is present in our lives and leading us forward into our first year of study as Aspirants.
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Russ O'Neill
Lector
Diocese of Youngstown Class of 2000
Posts: 189
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Post by Russ O'Neill on Jul 26, 2012 7:19:20 GMT -5
Congratulations, Jay. Without having a pastor, your parish will certainly benefit from having a deacon. . . and they will keep you busy! God bless.
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