Ask Deacon Mike

 

 

 

 

 

As many of you know I celebrated my 10th anniversary of ordination as a Deacon this past Thursday (February 1).  Because of this happy occasion, Fr. Roncase asked me to use my column this month to share some of my experiences as a deacon with you.  So, I decided to pose some questions to myself and answer them as honestly as I could.  Here is my top ten list:

 

Why did I become a deacon?  At the time I really did not know why.  I truly felt in my heart that God was calling me to do this but I really did not know why.  However, I have discovered over the last ten years that there is no one answer to that question.  I guess I could sum it up by saying this is how God wanted me to use the gifts He gave me, to teach, preach, listen (I need to do more of this!) and share the love that I feel with those to whom I am called to serve.

 

1)                                                       How did I know that I was called to be a deacon?  To be honest, I did not recognize the call at first.  It was my wife, Linda, and our pastor, Fr. Bill Johnson, who brought it to my attention.  In fact, I was very surprised when they both told me about it.

2)                                                       What was my biggest concern about beginning deacon training?  Time, my concern is always time.  I guess I just don’t always trust God enough.  However, before class started I told God that if this were His will, I would do it if he would provide the time.  Well, God did not let me down.  I only missed two classes in three years.  Both times I missed to participate in retreats in my home parish.  God never fails us if we accept His will.

3)                                                       Was class a struggle?  Not really.  I really loved the classes and the other eleven men with whom I studied.  Much of the work was difficult and it took a lot of time.  I did a lot of studying on airplanes and in hotel rooms but again with God’s help, I made it.

4)                                                       What was ordination like?  It was an unbelievable experience.  However, so is every sacrament we receive.  All of my family was there as well as many friends and people from my parish.  My pastor and my cousin who is a priest vested me.  There was a great sense of happiness in that cathedral that day.  I remember especially laying prostrate on the floor of the sanctuary while the choir sang the Litany of the Saints.  I was alone it seemed in my thoughts and I was facing a very important moment.  But I never felt alone.

5)                                                       What has enabled me to sustain my happiness and joy in being a deacon?  First and foremost it is God’s grace.  That grace comes from different directions.  Linda’s love and support is the most evident example of that grace.  My children have been a channel of that grace, also.  So too have been the people I have ministered to both here at St. Philip’s and back home at St. Francis de Sales in Newark, Ohio.  The priests with whom I have served have also been a great assistance and source of support.

 

 

 

6)                                                       What have I enjoyed most about being a deacon?  My greatest joy is being with people.  If it were not for people, there would be no need for deacons (or any other ministers).  When you laugh, I laugh.  When you cry, I cry.  I love being part of your lives.

7)                                                       What have I enjoyed least about being a deacon?  Nothing.  I love it all.  Of course there are sometimes I wish I could stay home and sleep on a cold winter morning.  Sometimes I wish I could skip a meeting once in a while.  However, this is all part of the calling and I feel privileged that God has asked me and enabled me to do this.

8)                                                        What is my role as a deacon and how has it changed over these ten years?  A deacon is ordained to be a visible sign (the term is actually a “living icon”) of the Servant Christ.  Our role has three aspects:  Word (proclaim and preach the Gospel), Sacrament (assist at Mass) and Charity (lead the efforts of the community to take care of the needy among us.  Early in my ministry I focused almost entirely on marriage preparation and annulments.  Here at St. Philip I have been primarily involved with RCIA, Parish Council, Finance Council and other sacramental duties.  I would like to shift more into the Charity area and help lead the efforts of our parish to reach out to those among us and around us who need to feel the love of Jesus.  I will be counting on you to help me do that.

9)                                                      Where do I see myself in ten years?  I have no idea.  Ten years ago I certainly never imagined I would be here.  I thought that I would remain in my hometown and parish and work among the people who nourished me and supported me as I grew up, married, raised children and worked.  But that was not in God’s plans.  I believe as deeply as I can that God called me to be a deacon to serve and assist you for how ever long God wants me to be here.  In accepting this, I also accept whatever lies ahead God has in store for me.

 

I want to thank all of you for celebrating my anniversary with me.  Without you it would mean nothing.  I am not a deacon for my own benefit or glory.  I am a deacon because God has called me and supplied me with the grace I needed to answer His call.  I could never have accepted Holy Orders without two other sacraments.  The first is Baptism.  I am always grateful to my parents who are both now deceased for raising me in the Catholic Church.  The second is marriage.  God only knows what sort of wretch I would have been if I had not married Linda.  Honey, I love you for loving me.  I also thank my children, Mike, Mindy and Sarah for showing me what love and trust is all about.

 

Thanks again to all of you.  I love you all. 

 

Deacon Mike Franks