Saco Man Ordained A Deacon in the Catholic Church

Little thought about becoming a deacon in the Catholic Church ever crossed the mind of a young, tall country kid growing up on the north flats of Saco, Montana. But after four years on concentrated efforts, sacrifices, adjustments and miles...Tom DePuydt was ordained as a deacon in Billings, Montana. Or, as he described it...it was more of "a calling" than "a decision."

"I have always been active in the Church and in the community. In some ways, I am doing what I have always been doing; serving in whatever way I am able to. I would say there have been many "nudges" in my life, that led me to consider the diaconate. I've always been drawn to the faith even though the Catechesis (education) I received in the faith was weak. Probably 10 years ago, after having a desire to know my faith better, I took an online class from the Augustine Institute on "Salvation History." It was so inspiring and enlightening. At first, I was irritated that I wasn't taught this in my youth. But then, I wondered if I was taught, perhaps I wasn't or wouldn't have listened. About six or seven years ago, Deacon Ed Malone from Glasgow asked me if I ever considered being a deacon. I answered with a strong, "No." Obviously, that thought changed a few years later as we attended a Deacon inquiry weekend to see what it was about."

And the road, steps and preparation for this calling were not a walk in the park. The formation consisted of on-line classes and traveling to a formation weekend, one weekend a month. The wives must attend those weekends and may take the online classes, if they so desired. Becoming a deacon is a family decision and fortunately, Tom's wife, Joy, was always a source of support, strength and inspiration.

DePuydt said, " I think my wife, Joy, knew I was thinking about it before I knew I really was. Many of my family and friends were excited for me. Some were unsure what this meant and what a deacon is or does."

He was asked if he had any obstacles in his journey, his path to ordainment. He responded, " From the beginning, my biggest concern was the time and where I live. Would I have time to be a deacon? I brought this up to members of the formation team in the first inquiry weekend. A Deacon, who was employed full-time said, God will make time, he bends time for you. I found that to be true. As an example, he made time for all my studies, and the formation weekends. Prior to ordination, the candidates were required to attend a week-long retreat in May. Several months earlier, we were asked which week in May we wanted to have the retreat. I knew the month of May is busy for me with seeding, so I responded with, "the week it rains." It ended up raining that week! If I wasn't being called, he wouldn't have made time so available." When the Lord has plans made, even a farmer-rancher takes time to listen, ponder and answer the call.

This long and often grueling on-taking made for new matters and decisions in his life. DePuydt said, "Over the four years, I wasn't really sure I was being called. I was a "Doubting Thomas." Other Deacons who went through the formation told me the last year could be a tough year as there could be a spiritual battle, a battle preventing us from becoming Deacons. I found that fairly accurate. It wasn't until the last two months before ordination that I felt completely comfortable with being ordained a Deacon."

He quickly shed his "doubts" when the day of June 8th arrived and he and five other men were ordained in Billings at St. Patrick's Co-cathedral by Bishop Jeffery Fleming.

"It was a beautiful Mass and ordination. It was full to capacity and filled with the Holy Spirit. Many of my friends and family attended. Many from Phillips County and around the country as well. I am still trying to get used to people calling me Deacon Tom. Part of the faith of the church is to believe in the grace received in the sacraments. This sacrament of Holy Orders is not any different. Those ordained receive the grace to carry out the service of the ministry of the diaconate. We can read about the first deacons in chapter 6 of the Acts of the Apostles, where they were appointed to serve under the first Bishops, the Apostles."

He stated, "As a deacon, the word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonia, meaning servant. The deacon serves the Bishop and assists the local priest. A deacon assists the priest at Mass. (Only a priest can celebrate the Mass.) The Deacon, proclaims the gospel at Mass and can give homilies. A deacon can celebrate a "Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest." Deacons can also baptize, witness marriages and officiate funerals and burials. As a servant, he can serve in a variety of ministries. In urban areas, there is a greater need to serve the homeless, prison ministry, hospital chaplains and such. We are all called to teach by word and deed. While a deacon can serve in many different capacities, a married permanent deacon's first vocation is his marriage to his wife and thus their family, and second to his career."

As the author Perry Tanksley wrote, "Marriage takes three..." and the same pretains to choices and decisions about becoming a deacon and fully dedicating ones' life to the Lord, since the Lord already placed the wife in the triangle.

And his "new life" has just begun. DePuydt will be at St. Francis of Assisi in Saco, as he always has been. He will also be serving at least one Sunday Mass, each month, at St. Mary's in Malta.

Asked about concerns for today's church, youth and faith, he replied, "The Church has endured many storms, such as scandals caused by people in the Church. Yet, the faith of the Church hasn't waivered nor changed. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, many don't know their own faith. Hopefully, I can help people get to know the faith and live it. We all experience various storms in our lives, with faith in God, we can look toward the calm after the storm. I am not sure how to describe what so many are exposed to in our society, which seems to be so upside down, other than to call it "sins against truth." Unfortunately, those sins against truth are coming from the media."

Did anyone tell him that he was crazy or wouldn't have time or enjoy it?

"I haven't had anyone tell me I was crazy for considering or becoming a deacon, even though they may have thought it. I had asked myself that many times during formation, but then felt I was called to continue. Really getting to know the faith is inspiring, it softens the heart. Until you experience it, it can be hard to explain. Making time to serve God is not crazy. If a person really wants to, they can easily make time for God. Start by shutting off or severely limiting TV and internet usage for example. The amount of time we spend on those devices or with other vices can be what is crazy."

Deacon Tom, embrace your new journey with faith and courage and know that you are supported in love and prayer. Thank you for answering His calling, you have made the county proud. Even though there probably never were sheep grazing on DePuydt land, you will have a flock to shepherd and guide now.