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This year, seven men begin formation as Group 13 of the Diocese of Calgary’s Permanent Diaconate. Each comes with his own story of faith, family, parish life and service, and each enters this time of formation still listening carefully for where the Lord is leading. We invite you to keep Marco, Paulo, Fernando, José, Robert, Erwin and Teofilo, and their wives and families, in your prayers. May the Lord guide their discernment, deepen them in prayer and service, and form them with wisdom, humility and open hearts as they seek to respond faithfully to His call.
I have sensed a call to serve God from an early age, initially believing it might be a call to the priesthood. Instead, the Lord first called me to be a husband and father, preparing me in another way for a life of service. Over the past ten years, that call became stronger as I became more involved in parish life. My discernment has been shaped by Rosa, my mother, parish priests, and close friends. Serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, RCIA Catechist, and Knight of Columbus has deepened my sense of calling. Walking part of the Camino de Santiago also taught me what it means to serve while journeying as a pilgrim. Rosa and our sons have been very supportive throughout this discernment. At this stage, the ministries of Word and Charity speak most deeply to my heart, while I also find joy in assisting with the Sacraments. As we begin formation, I hope to deepen my knowledge of the faith, develop a more disciplined prayer life, and grow in humility. I pray for the intercession of the Immaculate Mary, St. Joseph, and my guardian angel as I seek to balance family, work, formation, and service.
The example of priests, deacons, parishioners, and others who quietly serve has inspired me to look more closely at my own calling. My wife, Maila, has been an important part of this journey. Her support, prayers, and encouragement have given me the confidence to take this step. I know that this journey of formation involves not only me, but also our family. Of the three areas of the deacon’s ministry— Word, Sacrament, and Charity—Charity speaks most strongly to my heart. I want to serve people who are struggling, lonely, or in need, and to be a welcoming presence that helps them experience Christ’s love. I also have questions and some fears about whether I am ready. But I trust that God will guide me. My prayer is simple: “Lord, if this is where You are calling me, give me the grace to follow You faithfully.”
Our professions have given us different opportunities to work with people, serve others, and appreciate the dignity and value of every person we encounter. My journey toward considering the Permanent Diaconate has been gradual. It was not one particular moment, but a growing sense that God might be inviting me to serve Him and His people in a deeper way. Through prayer, parish life, the example of others, and the experiences God has placed along my path, this invitation became something I could no longer ignore. I eventually felt called to step forward and discern where God was leading me. Maria has been an important part of this journey. This calling has never felt like something that belongs to me alone. We have prayed, talked, and discerned together, trusting that God will continue to reveal His plan for our family. As I begin formation, my prayer is to remain open to God's direction: “Lord, form me into the servant You are calling me to be.”
I learned to deeply love the Church and to recognize that God guides our history and never makes mistakes. The Lord later granted me the opportunity to serve as a catechist and help form communities of people who had been away from the Church. I had the joy of seeing vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life arise from these communities. I also met Cecilia through the Neocatechumenal Way. She has walked with me in faith and has been an essential part of this discernment. Together, despite our weaknesses, we strive to pass on the faith to our children through praying together and the Eucharist. For me, the Eucharist is at the center, together with the Word of God. Both have been fundamental in my journey of faith. We begin this formation sincerely discerning God's will, trusting that “Where the Holy Spirit leads, by the grace of God we will faithfully follow,” (John 3:8).
That decision eventually led me to serve as a Knights Field Agent from 2016 to 2023, supporting numerous councils and parishes. During those years, I also became increasingly involved in parish ministry as an EMHC, Lector, and Greeter. While travelling for work, I listened through the entire audio Bible three times. Attending several Masses each weekend and hearing different homilies also helped deepen my faith and sense of calling. My discernment toward the Diaconate began with the active encouragement of Fr. James Hagel and later continued at St. Albert the Great Parish with the support of Fr. Andrew Maruszczak. There, I became more deeply involved in liturgical ministry, Pastoral Care, the parish’s 25th Anniversary Committee, and the Parish Pastoral Council, where I serve as secretary. Outside parish life, I enjoy riding my motorcycle and volunteering with charitable and community rides, including Ride for Dad, pro-life initiatives, and motorcycle safety advocacy.
It was my wife who first suggested that I might be called to this ministry. She saw the passion I have for our Catholic faith and encouraged me to consider whether God might be leading me in this direction. At first, I was a little skeptical. I had previously discerned a call to the priesthood, but that journey did not lead me there. This call, however, seemed different—much quieter and more subtle. As I continued serving at the parish, I began to wonder if perhaps God was gently leading me toward the Permanent Diaconate. I am still discerning. I don't have all the answers, and I see this formation journey as an opportunity to learn, grow, and listen. My prayer is that through this journey, I can learn to quiet my heart and the many distractions around me so that I can hear God's voice more clearly. I have come to embrace the simple motto Christus, veritate et caritate, servire—to serve Christ in truth and charity.
Through prayer and discernment, my question gradually changed from “What do I want?” to “Lord, what do You want me to do?” I began feeling called to serve God more deeply through the Permanent Diaconate. My wife, Marilou, our daughters, Loraine and Cyril, my mother, and my siblings have supported my discernment through prayer, encouragement, and service.
Word, Sacrament, and Charity are all deeply meaningful to me. Through the Word, I desire to preach and evangelize. Through the Sacrament, especially the Eucharist, am grateful to be with Christ. Through charity, I hope to show Christ’s love through healthcare, prison ministry, pastoral care, and service to others. Together, they represent one calling: bringing Jesus to His people. My greatest hope during formation is to know God more deeply, love Him more, and become a better servant. I pray for wisdom, humility, holiness, and compassion. I trust that God’s grace is greater than my weaknesses. I pray for courage, perseverance, and an open heart to follow Him.
2 Comments
Carlo FG
9/1/2026 01:24:40 pm
What a wonderful thing it is to see that the Spirit keeps calling men to serve him by caring for their brothers and sisters. May the same Spirit guide these men through their discernment process.
Alice M.
9/7/2026 08:37:27 pm
In today’s society, when we are constantly asked, “What do you want out of life?” Or told, “This is what you should want in your life,” it is marvellous to read Teofilo’s question, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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