Deacon Williams celebrates 25th

Deacon Herman J. Williams 

My life as an ordained Roman Catholic permanent deacon can be likened to a roller coaster ride.

During the 25 years I have served as a deacon, times have not always been easy. Several of the churches I was assigned to have gone through tough times. But, through it all, God has been faithful, and he has provided for us what and whom we needed for our church at just the right time.

Prayer is a vital way that I support myself as a deacon. I pray daily that God will protect, lead and guide me as I perform the duties of my diaconate ministry. I also pray that God will give me wisdom and discretion when making decisions and when counseling others. In addition, I pray that God will give me the message our church needs to hear as I prepare my homilies. Without prayer I know I will not have been able to stand against Satan’s attacks each day. I also believe that the more I pray, the better husband, father, employee and deacon I will become.

Being a deacon is a calling from the Lord. Serving him as a deacon is sometimes challenging, but it is always rewarding. Serving God alongside parish priests and fellow deacons is both a joy and an honor.