Name: John Osborne
Age: 45
Family: Wife, Sherry; children, Abigail, Gabriel, Riley, Joshua
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Parish: St. Mary, Grinnell
How did you know you were being called to the diaconate?
Going back to childhood I have always felt a calling to serve the Church in a special way. Several years ago my parish deacon asked me to consider the diaconate; it was then that I started to realize the call.
What is most rewarding about being a deacon candidate?
I love working with people and find great joy in working alongside my brothers and sisters to spread the good news.
What is most challenging about being a deacon candidate?
Formation has been very intense and at times exhausting. I am thankful that the diocese has developed such a well-rounded formation program.
What do you look most forward to in your ministry as a deacon?
Working with others in serving Christ, and continuing to work in prison ministry.
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
Philippians 2:6-11. It is found in Evening Prayer and is a call for all of us to serve and love one another in the example of Christ. I am also drawn to this text because it is found in the Liturgy of the Hours which connects us with the official prayer life of the Church.
