Three men from Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano are studying to become deacons. They are James Lonick, Mark Fuller and Todd Raether.
After being accepted in the program, they must complete a minimum of five years of study in scriptural, theological and pastoral ministry courses. The courses fit into their personal schedule, so it could take longer.
As ordained deacons they will be able to baptize, witness marriages, assist at Mass at the altar, proclaim the Gospel, preach a homily and preside at funerals.
Lonick and his wife, Debbie, have three children and two grandchildren. He is a financial consultant for Thrivent Financial.
Fuller and his wife, Patty, have three children. He is a social worker at Maehnowesekiyah.
Raether and his wife, Mary, have four children. He is a partner in Sovereign Financial Group.
Q When and why did you decide to become a deacon?
Lonick: “Throughout my life I have always been deeply involved in my faith life. There was a point when I considered the priesthood. I prayed about this, and it was clear to me that the married life was the path for me, and this was definitely the case when I met Debbie while in graduate school. Eventually, Debbie and I attended retreats in Manitowoc at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. It was after our experiences on these weekends that we discussed this calling and knew that this was our path together.”
Fuller: “I felt called by God to serve the church in this specific ministry for many years and in 2009 began to make inquiry about the process and specifics of this vocation. Once I learned more, I was ready to jump in. I was formally accepted by Bishop David Ricken as a deacon candidate in 2010.”
Raether: “My call to the diaconate came to me over a course of time. It became most clear in the summer of 2012 as I was asking God what he wanted me to do next. I had felt as though I was burning out as a youth minister. As it turns out I am still involved with youth ministry, but with renewed energy.”
Q Where are you in the process?
Lonick: “We are in the final months of preparation for ordination. I am currently in my last class formation, and ordination is scheduled for May 16 in Green Bay. The reason that I put that as ‘we’ is that this journey takes place with my wife throughout. Debbie is considered part of the women of the diaconate community, and I could not do this without her love and support.”
Fuller: “I am now in the fourth year of the diaconate program and hope to be ordained as a deacon in May 2016.”
Raether: “Currently I am about to complete my first year of studies.”
Q What has your journey been like?
Lonick: “Life changing. I am not the person I was six years ago, and because of that, our marriage is stronger and our love deeper than ever. The class work was difficult at first. I came to love going to class.”
Fuller: “It has been a time of growth in faith and trust in God, praying for his assistance to be the servant that He wants me to be.”
Raether: “The journey has been more rewarding than I had ever envisioned. Our parish has really embraced my call.”
Q How has it affected your life and your family life?
Lonick: “The past six years have softened me and changed the way I see the world. I have learned to see the world more with my heart than just my eyes. I know that I am where I am because of the love and support of Debbie and our children.”
Fuller: “My family has been very supportive and patient with me in my time away taking classes and becoming more involved in the church. I would not be able to do this without their support and the support of the Sacred Heart faith community.”
Raether: “My family is excited for me and behind me all the way. We recently became empty nesters. Mary and I often find ourselves having discussions about faith that we didn’t have before.”
Q What have you learned about yourself and your faith?
Lonick: “I have learned that the more you learn about your faith you find out how much more God has to offer and it has no limits. I have learned to love others better, especially those closest to me.”
Fuller: “I am very humbled that God would call me to this ministry. My faith has grown through prayer and study and in the actual experience of sharing the gospel of Christ with others.”
Raether: “I had thought that I was a dedicated man of faith. The more I study and the more involved I’ve been, the deeper I fall in love with my faith.”
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