Spouse: Marilee (married 46 years)
Children: Mark, Jennifer, Elizabeth
Parish: Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Clinton
Date and place of ordination: Sacred Heart Cathedral, June 13, 1992
Occupation: Hospital Staff Chaplain (since 1993), Mercy Medical Center, Clinton. Mercy Services for Aging: Mercy Living Centers North and South, Mercy Hospice Spiritual Care coordinator.
Why did you become a deacon? I have always wanted to be of service to people in their most critical times of need in life. Even before I was ordained, I was drawn to serve in the area of death and dying ministry. This to help promote the Gospel perspective of life and living. In this capacity, I have never been without the blessing of other good people to teach me how to best accomplish this mission. Truly, the world is filled with living saints.
What ministries are you involved in? The hospital chaplaincy is all encompassing. The ministries involved within this profession include moment-to-moment opportunities to spread the Gospel message of spiritual peace and holistic wellness to all people. Prayer, death and dying pastoral support, liturgical services, spiritual renewal sessions, patient, family and staff spiritual care issues and much more fill the days and many nights.
What are your challenges? The challenges of healthcare in the spiritual realm grow ever more daunting with time. In particular, as our population ages and healthcare in general struggles to find ways to best serve all people, the task of providing for the spiritual needs of the children of God also escalates. My personal challenges remain unchanged: to continue to serve God, one person at a time, through the ministry of pastoral care.
What is your favorite Scripture passage? “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13
