'I never saw myself as a very holy guy'

	ASKING GOD'S BLESSING: Michelle and Steve Meyer pray before dinner with their three boys (clockwise from top) Adam, Jacob and Alex. The Meyers are members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Green Bay. Steve is preparing to be ordained a deacon in May. (Josh Diedrich photo)

Third in a series on the Bishop's Appeal

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

Five years ago, Steve Meyer never would have imagined that he would appear in a feature on the diaconate in a Bishop's Appeal video, as he did this year.

Meyer, a member St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Green Bay, thought there was a particular image a deacon should fit, and he didn't see himself in that image.

"I struggled because that wasn't me," he said. "I never saw myself as a very holy guy."

On May 20, Meyer and six other men are scheduled to be ordained deacons for the Diocese of Green Bay. There are 129 deacons serving in the diocese and 25 men in formation, 20 candidates and five aspirants. They come from different backgrounds, but all have one common characteristic, said Dcn. Paul Grimm, diocesan director of the permanent diaconate.

"The guys we look for all have a commitment to service to others," he said. "They have a history of serving others in a variety of ways and a desire to serve others."

Men who are residents of the diocese and between the ages of 30 and 55 may apply to become a deacon. Applicants must be recommended by their pastor or parish director, and have the support of the parish community. Upon acceptance into the program, an applicant completes a year of aspirancy before a determination is made to move on to the candidacy stage. The candidate then completes four years of formation taking courses in scripture, theology, liturgy, pastoral care, canon law and homiletics.   Full story ...

	Mass Times Diocese of Green Bay Mass Schedules

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    February 19, 2006: God offers us a whole new way of life

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Michael Stubbs --
    February 19, 2006: We find faith wherever we gather

 • Editorial -- Not so funny
    Cartoons offensive to Islam raise important issues about religion
    and how to respond

 • Editorial -- Olympics entertain, challenge
    They offer a chance to apply lessons to life

 • Foundations of Faith --
    Did Jesus have a guardian angel while on earth?
    The angels serve their king by advancing his mission and helping us
    do the same

 • Saint of the Day --
    His old life went up in flames
    Conrad's hunting led to the breakup of his marriage

 • Current Calendar of Events

Articles on   2006 Bishop's Appeal • 'I never saw myself as a very holy guy' (Feb. 17, 2006) • Ministry helps Hispanic youth encounter Christ (Feb. 10, 2006) • Appeal targets $5 million for the first time (Feb. 3, 2006) • Pie chart of Bishop's Appeal use