LOCAL NEWS

Seven years after what was supposed to be a short-term internship through AmericCorps, Norma Carrillo is still at St. Vincent de Paul and helps countless volunteers, especially young children, embrace the idea of service.

Newly ordained Dcn. Jeffrey Strom did not think of becoming a deacon until in recent years, when in the course of a month three different people suggested the role to him. This caught his attention and he started taking steps toward this ordained ministry and the Lord kept opening doors.

From preaching on the front porch to at the pulpit, Dcn. Stephen Schmidt can see God’s hand in it all.

A crowd of about 500 people waited outside Sacred Heart Parish in Prescott on Nov. 4 for a 5 p.m. rededication of their church.

It happened 10 years ago at St. Matthew Parish in Phoenix. Dcn. Catarino Portillo and his wife Julia regularly attended the parish where they served in various ministries and participated in a group Bible study.

The month of November stirs-up the heart as thoughts of a bountiful table set, and a turkey with all the trimmings prepared, attending Thanksgiving Day Mass at the parish and the glimpse of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or a football game all make for a well-planned day.

For Dcn. Jim Myers, the path to the diaconate was filled with little signs nudging him along the way to ordination.

Quiet time plus stillness does not always equal prayer. A conversation with God can happen with a little bit of wiggle, too.

The fact that his mother prayed the Rosary every day and went Mass frequently was crucial for Dcn. Martín Gallo to listen to the call from God to become a deacon.

Dressed as saints, children from throughout the diocese were reminded of their call to holiness during a special Mass and Vocations Fair at Most Holy Trinity Parish Oct. 28.