A deacon speaks: “My wife has been my greatest inspiration and support…”

I’m here in Charlotte for the Catholic Media Conference, and one of the  exciting things you get to do is catch up on newspapers and magazines you don’t normally see.

This morning, I got to read a copy of Agua Viva, the magazine for the diocese of Las Cruces. The cover story is all about the diaconate.

Snip:

Deacons in the Diocese of Las Cruces serve in a multitude of ministries. At the parish level, a deacon serves at the liturgy by carrying in the Book of Gospels or assisting the priest and walking at his side, reading the Gospel, announcing the intentions of the Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful), preparing the vessels at the altar, accepting the gifts and taking them to the altar, holding the chalice at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, inviting the people to the Sign of Peace, distributing Communion – in particular the Eucharistic Wine, purifying the vessels, and dismissing the people. His other responsibilities may include giving instructions to the assembly, giving the Homily, incensing the priest and the people, and assisting the priest in the breaking of the Eucharistic Bread. Many of our deacons also serve their community outside the church. One of them is Deacon William J. Holguin of Silver City. He and his wife were born and raised in Silver City and are members of St. Vincent de Paul Church. Deacon Bill also serves as a staff chaplain at Gila Regional Medical Center. Here, he shares his challenges, hopes, and inspirations.

Q: Tell us about serving as a deacon in the Diocese of Las Cruces

The challenges and demands that I have encountered attempting to live the life as a husband, father, and faithfully serve my brothers and sisters in the church have been the cause of my learning to listen and trust God and become more resolved to obedience.

Q: What has been your biggest inspiration?

My wife, Virginia, has been my biggest inspiration and support. Without her I feel that I could not have continued in the ministry. During my elementary school years the Sister of Saint Joseph at St. Mary’s Academy, where I attended school, were very influential. The faithful priests of St. Vincent De Paul, Fr. Vonder Haar, Fr. Milano, Fr. Lynch, and Fr. Rod have all inspired me to continue on my faith journey. I have always experienced the special support of my brother deacons. I can never thank my parents enough for bringing me up in the Catholic Faith. I felt that I was called to respond to the needs of the community.

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