In Scripture, the number 40 is far more than a measure of time. It signifies a sacred season of prayer, preparation, testing, transformation, and new beginnings. Noah witnessed 40 days of rain before the Earth was renewed. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Law. The Israelites wandered for 40 years before entering the Promised Land. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning his public ministry. After his resurrection, Christ remained with his disciples for 40 days before his ascension, preparing them to continue his mission.
As I reflected on the first 40 days after our ordination to the permanent diaconate on May 30, I invited my brother deacons from my ordination class to share their experiences. Together, our reflections revealed a beautiful truth: although our ministries differ, our calling is the same — to serve with the heart of Jesus Christ.
Contributors to this column are Deacon Elmer Lopez Maximo of Sacred Heart Parish in Rockaway, N.J.; Deacon Stephen Deehan of St. Luke Parish in the Long Valley neighborhood of Washington Township, N.J.; Deacon Paul DePinto of St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln Park, N.J.; Deacon Timothy Dunmyer of St. Jude Parish in Hopatcong, N.J.; Deacon James Gillespie of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Mountain Lakes, N.J.; Deacon Tobi Ippolito of Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, N.J.; Deacon Tom Kimble of St. Jude Parish in the Budd Lake neighborhood of Mount Olive Township, N.J.; and Deacon Gregory Marchesi of St. Therese Parish in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J.
Living the Gospel Through Service
The transition from ordination to ministry happened almost immediately. The joy of ordination quickly gave way to the privilege of serving God’s people.
Many of us began preaching within days of our ordination, and we regularly proclaim the Gospel in our respective parishes.
Baptism has been one of the greatest joys of our new ministry. Deacon Kimble’s very first baptism was his grandson Tommy’s into the Church. Deacons Gillespie, DePinto, Marchesi, Ippolito, and Deehan had the privilege of celebrating baptisms in the first weeks of ministry.
I was blessed to celebrate my first baptism on the Feast of St. Benedict. Watching a child become a son of God while an entire family renewed their faith made the celebration memorable.
Our ministry has brought us joys and sorrows. Some celebrated, assisted or preached at weddings. Deacon DePinto blessed two couples celebrating their 60th wedding anniversaries, a beautiful witness to the enduring grace of Christian marriage. They also have presided over funeral vigils, assisted at funeral Masses, and conducted their first committal services.
Deacon Deehan said he blesses at least one person every day, seeing each blessing as an opportunity to renew hearts and strengthen faith. The new deacons have also blessed homes, religious articles, parishioners after Mass, and individuals asking for prayers.
The deacons have found that some of the most meaningful moments happen quietly, accompanying Christ’s people in hospital rooms, parish meetings, Eucharistic adoration, holy hours, conversations after Mass, and simple encounters with people seeking encouragement.
Moments That Will Stay With Us
When I asked my classmates about their most memorable experiences so far, their responses reminded me that ministry is never about numbers; it is always about people served by Christ.
Deacon Marchesi said that moment was when he preached his first homily, with his father present. Deacon DePinto said it was the overwhelming gratitude parishioners expressed after his first homily, thanking him for answering God’s call.
Deacon Dunmyer recalls Trinity Sunday, when he delivered his first Sunday homily and realized that years of prayer, discernment, and formation had become a living reality.
Deacon Deehan finds his greatest joy in witnessing lives renewed through simple, faithful presence at St. Luke’s. He said, “The best thing I find that I do is re-energizing people’s faith through my commitment to them through God.”
I had the privilege of preaching at my pastor’s farewell Mass before his transfer to another parish. That day, I realized that a deacon is often invited into the holiest moments of people’s lives, not to be the center of attention but to help others encounter Christ.
What We Are Learning
Although each of us serves in different parishes and ministries, our reflections reveal remarkable unity. Deacon Kimble said deacons receive the grace of Holy Orders to share the Good News more effectively. Deacon Marchesi said, “Being a deacon is a humbling ministry.”
Deacon DePinto reflected, “A deacon is a humble servant,” striving each day to follow Christ in both word and example. Deacon Ippolito said being a deacon involves “service to others in the name of Jesus.”
Deacon Dunmyer admitted that he still has much to learn and prays for the wisdom to serve God’s people. Deacon Gillespie said, “Being a deacon means that I will be in a ministry of service, meeting the needs of my parish, community, and the diocese.”
Deacon Deehan said that through a deacon’s compassionate presence, attentive listening, and faithful accompaniment, God often brings people back to the Church one encounter at a time.
One of the greatest blessings of these first 40 days has been realizing that ordination did not mark the end of our journey together; it marked the beginning of a lifelong fraternity — a brotherhood in Christ, strengthening one another. We gather weekly on Zoom to pray, make sure we see each other at family gatherings and diocesan events, and have monthly dinners with our wives and families.
Looking Ahead
These first 40 days have taught us that a deacon’s ministry is measured not by statistics but by faithfulness. Whether preaching to a full church, baptizing a child, blessing couples celebrating 60 years of marriage, comforting grieving families, accompanying hospital patients, or quietly praying with someone after Mass, each act of service becomes an opportunity to make Christ present.
We remain grateful to Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, our pastors, formation directors, mentors, families, and parish communities, whose prayers continue to sustain us. Above all, we thank God for the gift of Holy Orders and the privilege of serving His Church.
Our prayer is that the Lord will continue to form our hearts after His own, so that in every word we proclaim, every person we accompany, and every act of charity we perform, others may encounter not us but Jesus Christ, the Servant of all. That is the final lesson of these first 40 days: our ministry is meant to lead others to Christ.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
