In His footprints: A Deacon Profile

By Rev. Dr. Jose Panickomveli

Permanent Deacons play great role in the faith formation of people. It is a privileged position and a special call by the Lord to be among His faithful from their own community.
Deacons take the vows of obedience like priests or nuns; they can’t remarry when their spouse dies, and they support their pastor by sharing some of his responsibilities. Our diocese has more than eighteen permanent deacons serving parishes. Most also have secular jobs.

One of them— Deacon Rick Miske from St Philip, Wibaux is a man of prayer and great conviction. He was ordained a permanent deacon seven years ago. He is actively involved in this parish—preaching at funerals, conducting marriages, conducting Holy hour, performing baptisms, preaching at Holy Eucharist, and taking communion to the sick. Since his home is situated near St Philip’s church, Wibaux, he can do many things for the faithful. He is highly respected by them all, and he is a great help for me.

If we ask him, “Who supports your ministry?” He would say first, “My wife Kim”. Kim helps him in many ways. They are a faithful couple— a model for many of the parishioners. Just as his soulmate Kim supports his ministry so do all the parishioners stand behind him praising God in prayer. All his former pastors say as much good of him as I do.

I acknowledge that any professed local person can do much more than a priest who is not originally from that place. Most people prefer a spiritual person of the community rather than an outsider. A priest may be appointed for a period of six years or more, but deacons are usually in one community permanently. They know the pulse of the faithful, know people by name, and people will often share their problems confidently to them more than those from elsewhere.

Deacons are certainly one of the pillars of the domestic Church. Imagine, if more males of a domestic Church were deacons, how wonderful it could be? We must wish and pray that the Lord of the harvest will fulfil our desire.

I am told by some of his classmates, “Rick was a model even in his school days”. He continues to be the same today— God-fearing, supportive to the needs of the church and to his Mexican laborers. His wife Kim works at the courthouse. Both of them, in their own capacity, help the Wibaux community. In their own way, they help the seekers of God to trace His footprints recalling the dictum, “Our life, our message.”

He once told me, “If I can do something good for others, I will not hesitate, sure, then, I have achieved my life goal. My wish is more people follow our path in proclaiming the mission of Jesus.” It’s true, “Many are called” (Matthew 22:14), but few have chosen. Certainly, Jesus asks us, “To serve him,” if we are attentive to his call, we may follow him. Imagine, how fast, then, his kingdom would grow and would come true in our lives!

Yes, we need many, many deacons in this diocese to share his kingdom and to preach his unconditional love. My prayer is that all of us — the faithful, religious, consecrated deacons, and priests, together with our Bishop march toward God’s kingdom!

For information on being a Permanent Deacon, contact Deacon Pete at pwoelkers@diocesegfb.org or call (406) 604-1852.