A visible icon of Christ the Servant

For many Catholics, the permanent deacon is a liturgical minister who fulfills his specific role in the celebration of the sacred Liturgy. The deacon proclaims the Gospel, at times gives the homily, and assists in the distribution of Communion. Rightly so, he is perceived as not exactly the same kind of minister as a priest given what he does not do in the Liturgy. However, that is where the understanding of the deacon’s role in the life of the Church tends to end. Many are less clear about the wider ministerial impact that the permanent deacon has on the life of the Church. In part, this may be due to the relative recency of the visible ministry of deacons on a prolonged basis.  

Among the many decisions of the second Vatican Council was the decision to finally act upon the decree of the Council of Trent in the 16th century concerning the restoration of the permanancy of the diaconate in the hierarchy of the Church. The deacon was a prominent minister in the early centuries of the Church’s life, however over centuries, the deacon’s role became limited to the transitional phase enroute to the priesthood. The modern decree has restored the permanency of the diaconate and it has been implemented widely in our contemporary Church, primarily to promote the urgent missionary work of the new evangelization.  

In the mind of the Church, the permanent deacons serves as a visible icon of Christ the Servant, who came “not to be served, but to serve.” This humble mission of Christ to serve broken humanity becomes expressed in the life of the deacon in a variety of ways. Fundamentally, Christ invites the deacon to share in his mission by exercising three major types of service or “diaconia” as the New Testament names it. The first is the one already made mention of—the service of the liturgy. He is to assist in such a way as to facilitate a prayerful and ordered celebration of the sacred rites and an interior participation of the faithful. Secondly, the deacon serves in the proclamation of the Word of God. This service is expressed both in the liturgy (proclamation of the Gospel, homily) but more widely in the various forms of evangelization and catechesis. The deacon is called to be at the service of the Word in such a way as to help all persons hear that Word and come to faith in the one whom the Father sent, Jesus Christ (cf. Jn 17:3). Lastly, the deacon is called to serve in the exercise of the Church’s charity to all those in need. This form of diaconal service can take on many different forms, but it is always seeking to bring the love of Christ to others in concrete ways.  

The five-year process of prayer, study, and service helps the candidate to become ever more docile to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit so that they may truly be the instrument in the hands of the Lord. Let us all give thanks to God for these men who have generously said “yes” to the call of Christ the Servant. May their diaconal ministry bear abundant fruit for many years to come.  

Edward DeKeyser | Blessed Sacrament, West Fargo 

Where are you from? Who is your family (spouse and kids)? 

I am originally from Lakin, a small town in southwestern Kansas. I have been married to my wife Lori for 34 years. We have four children. Monica and her husband Jerell have two boys, Kai and Jaylen. Justin married Victoria this November. Braden is finishing his master’s at NDSU in accounting. Desi is engaged to be married to Zach Moore.  

When did you first hear the call to pursue the diaconate? When did that call become more real to you? 

I came to a point in my life that I realized if I wanted to be happy, I had to do the will of God. At the time I was training for marathons, and once a week I would run a “long run.” These long runs were times I would pray, listen to Christian music, or listen to Catholic podcasts. I was on a long run that was 14-16 miles, and I was in my last two miles. I was praying to God to reveal his will to me. It was intense, and I remember coming to a complete stop and crying out to God, “What is your will for my life?” A calm, quiet thought (voice) came to me, “I want you to become a deacon.” I knew that thought didn’t come from me, because it had never entered my mind before. I was unsure and confused by the thought, so I prayed the following: “God, I know I am not supposed to ask for something like this, but if this is what you want, you are going to have to give me some sort of sign.” A short time later, I went to confession behind the screen to a priest that I believe is a good and holy priest. I made my confession, he gave me absolution and my penance, and as I was walking out, he asked me to wait a second. He said the following: “I don’t know why, but the Holy Spirit wants me to ask you something… have you ever thought about becoming a deacon?” I haven’t looked back since.

What has been your most memorable experience in formation? 

The best memories I have from my formation is getting to know my fellow deacon candidates, and discovering the unique calling, talents, and charisms of each. 

Who is one of your favorite saints and why? 

My favorite saint is St. Michael the Archangel. He is my confirmation saint, and I pray to him every day. I know he has protected me throughout my life.  

What advice do you have for others who may be discerning the diaconate? 

All I would have to say to those discerning the diaconate is “fear not.” Pursue your calling and trust that God will guide you in making the right decision for you and your family, and Christ’s Church. 

Brian Herding | St. Anthony of Padua, Fargo 

Where are you from? Who is your family (spouse and kids)? 

I am from West Fargo. I grew up in Hankinson as a young boy. I am married to a beautiful lady named Diane. 

When did you first hear the call to pursue the diaconate? When did that call become more real to you?
I have felt a call to it for quite a few years. It became very powerful to me in a short time right before the application process started for my formation group. Within about two weeks, I had two people approach me and simply ask if I was thinking about it. One of them was from Minneapolis and had no connection to the Diocese. Then St. Anthony’s Church in Fargo posted an announcement in the bulletin about an evening session in Jamestown that the Diocese sponsored for couples to learn more about it. The process was then rolling. 

What has been your most memorable experience in formation?
It’s hard to pin down just one experience. I think the program as a whole and having the opportunity for Diane and me to grow with the other couples and the formation team has been a highlight. At times it could be stressful, but overall it was an amazing blessing. 

Who is one of your favorite saints and why?
St. Therese of Lisieux has been one of my favorites. I read a quote once where she simply stated: “I wish to spend my Heaven doing good upon earth.” It drove home for me our connection to the saints, and my love for her started. 

What advice do you have for others who may be discerning the diaconate?
Continue to pray about it. Reach out to a current deacon and ask their experiences. Call the Vocations office to learn some concrete details. Have no fear for God is near! 

Theadore LeMier | Sts. Anne and Joachim, Fargo 

Where are you from? Who is your family (spouse and kids)? 

I was born in Oakes and lived there until 1982 when we moved to Horace and lived there until 1990. I have been married for 33 years to Susan LeMier (Markovic). We have four children: Alex, Brenna, Claire, and Danielle. We welcomed Darian Larue to our family this January (married to Brenna).  

When did you first hear the call to pursue the diaconate? When did that call become more real to you? 

I am a convert to the Catholic faith; I entered the Church at the Easter vigil in 2000 at Sts. Anne and Joachim. During my RCIA (now OCIA) journey, my wife mentioned to me: “Maybe the diaconate could be for you?” Fast forward ten years to an overnight adoration hour, I asked the Lord what he wanted of me, and he suggested the diaconate. I applied and was asked to wait until the next class, since I was not yet ready. God’s timing was correct. Five years later, I reapplied but had doubts. Again in adoration I asked the Lord to make it clear that this was what he wanted me to do. Within a few days, I was working my job as property manager at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church when a righteous older gentleman called me over and said, “Ted, I am so glad I saw you today. Don’t let anything deter you from being a deacon.” I took this as an answered prayer.  

What has been your most memorable experience in formation? 

Although sometimes difficult or tiresome, all of formation was my favorite: the coming together as a brotherhood with my fellow candidates, the classes that we all enjoyed, the instructors and their wealth of knowledge, and the joy of serving at Mass and adoration. Taking a pilgrimage to Italy this February was certainly memorable, but perhaps the time spent on silent retreat and growing in self-knowledge is my most memorable experience. I now know why I was called and know that God has made me for it.   

Who are your favorite saints and why? 

St. Benedict of Nursia is my confirmation saint, and I can see his guiding hand in all I have done since then. Ora et Labora has been my email sign off since I started as property manager at Sts. Anne and Joachim. His rule and teaching shaped the course of history and the world and is shaping mine as well. The other is St. Anselm, one of the early church fathers. I love his writing and his prayers. Although some of his writings confound and astound me, I cannot disagree with him and should like to hear more.  

What advice do you have for others who may be discerning the diaconate? 

The Lord has always used intermediaries to connect with his chosen people. If people are suggesting you may be a good deacon or are asking you to consider it, don’t hesitate to bring it to the Lord in prayer. Then, instead of questioning whether or not the Lord knows what he’s doing, take the first step boldly and see where he leads you. If you can do this, you can do the Lord’s will, and if it is the diaconate, you will never be happier living out what you were made for. 

Thomas O’Keefe | St. Anthony of Padua, Fargo 

Where are you from? Who is your family (spouse and kids)? 

I am originally from Crystal, attending St. Patrick’s Church. I married Audrey Altendorf in 1985 and will soon be married 40 years. We had three girls, Lindsey, Leah, and Tera. We currently have five grandchildren. 

When did you first hear the call to pursue the diaconate? When did that call become more real to you? 

My call to the diaconate is a little convoluted. I began my reversion experience in 2010, intentionally seeking out a community of Catholic men who could mentor me in the faith. That small group of men I joined at Holy Cross in West Fargo are still with me today. That led me to the Made for Greatness Men’s Ministry, introducing me to other holy men. About that time, I started attending daily Mass. One morning outside the chapel, I was introducing myself to Deacon Pat Breen. His daughter for some reason told me that I should be a deacon too. I smiled at her and thought to myself, “You have no idea who you are talking to!” 

Then I met Deacon Bruce Dahl and got involved in his Men of the Cross ministry. He was the kind of man I wanted to be like. As I continued to get involved with Catholic ministries and events, I met men like Deacon Ken Votova, Deacon James Eggl, and Deacon Stu Longtin. Their combined witness to the faith was an inspiration in my heart to the discernment to the diaconate.  

The call to the diaconate didn’t truly become real to me until I attended the five-day silent Canonical retreat this past October. It involved my surrender to God’s will and putting my total trust in his providence. Abandonment of my self-reliance took me that long and will probably need to be repeated from time-to-time. 

What has been your most memorable experience in formation? 

I had so many good instructors during the five years of formation and developed such a bond with the other candidates and their wives. Most significantly, I will be forever grateful to the formation team and process for what it has done for my faith and my marriage. Ordering my own life and that of my marriage to one that is rooted in prayer, the sacraments, and the Mass has changed everything. 

Who is one of your favorite saints and why? 

My favorite saint has been Mother Teresa. Her life of prayer, humility, perseverance, courage, and self-giving have always been a source of inspiration to me. I pray for the grace to be able to love like she did. 

What advice do you have for others who may be discerning the diaconate? 

It is a discernment, not a decision. As I said above, even if for some reason I was not to be ordained, I am forever grateful for what formation has done for Audrey and me. If you are thinking about this, it is because the Lord has put the desire in your heart. Follow your heart.  

Steve Splonskowski | Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo 

Where are you from? Who is your family (spouse and kids)? 

I am originally from Lake Park, Minn. We became parishioners of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo in 1993. I currently reside near Rollag, Minn. with my wife, Jacinta where we raised our seven children: Gregory, Therese, Claire, Stephen, Francesca, Lucia, and Damien. 

When did you first hear the call to pursue the diaconate? When did that call become more real to you? 

I felt the call to Holy Orders as a young boy. I attended seminary from 1997–99 at Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo. There I discerned a call to marriage, but when I left Monsignor Robert Laliberte, my formation director said, “Don’t forget to discern the call to diaconate when the time comes.” I didn’t think about that for 20 years. While leading a pilgrimage for Real Presence Radio to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, Wis., I lectored at Mass and inadvertently read the Gospel instead of the First Reading. Father James Gross was the Spiritual Director for that pilgrimage and during his homily he said, “Steve, you accidentally read the Gospel; that may be an invitation for you to consider a call to the diaconate.” I took that as the reminder to begin to discern that call. 

What has been your most memorable experience in formation? 

The annual retreats and 5-day canonical retreat at Maryvale were highlights and times of significance for me. I started attending retreats at Maryvale (SEARCH) when I was 15-years-old. Then during seminary, we had annual retreats there, so I felt like the Lord was just continuing a conversation that started there. Many of us Deacon Candidates took a pilgrimage to Rome in 2025. That was a blessed time for us and our wives. The monthly classes included great instructors, prayer, and the opportunity to soak in the beauty of our Catholic faith! 

Who is one of your favorite saints and why? 

I have been drawn to my namesake St. Stephen as the first martyr and deacon of the Church. I have also developed a devotion to St. Francis Assisi and St. Joseph. All three had a simple, straight-forward approach to responding to the call to serve Christ and built up the Church by uniting their wills to the will of Christ.  

What advice do you have for others who may be discerning the diaconate? 

Do not be afraid! The Lord will fill up your lack and give you the strength to follow him as St. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Let Christ be your guide, your strength, your everything!