December 3, 2023 marks one year since I have been ordained as a deacon. Since that most important day of my life at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral took place, my rookie year went very quickly and has been an interesting journey.

How I feel:

Blessed

Accomplished

Supported

Fluid. By this, I mean that I am never static. I am always learning, and always setting goals. The work never ends. It’s constant movement.

Just a handful of things I have learned in a year’s time:

There is a learning curve. From learning how to complete continuing education requirements, to learning everyone’s name in your new parish, to balancing work life, personal life and ministry life, there is a lot to learn. If you stumble, get up again. Keep calm and carry on!

Some ministry ideas will work, others will not. It may surprise you about what works and what doesn’t.

DAWN soap is very effective for getting things like Ash Wednesday ashes out of your vestments.

Preaching preparation gets easier with time. I never thought it would, but it does.

Speak louder. “Using your deacon voice” is a real thing, not a cliché or metaphor. Project when reading the Gospel and preaching.

Be extra, extra, and I mean EXTRA careful about what you say on social media. If you feel anger, annoyance, or anything negative towards someone, get offline and talk to God in a private conversation.

Diving deeper into your faith is essential. Meditate on God’s word and the message of Jesus. Pray a lot. It’s all about Him.

There are a lot of “Firsts”.  The first time I saw “The Reverend” before my name was surreal. I experienced my first Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Christmas, Diocesan convention, Holy Eucharist service alongside the Bishop, Chrism Mass, and Clergy Luncheon as a deacon. All these Firsts are very special, and I cherish these memories.

You will feel yourself growing closer with your new congregation as you get to know the different personalities and their passions. There also may be times when you miss your former parish, and that’s normal. Keep them in your heart, but remember you are here to serve the wider Church.

Keep an ear out for the needs in the community. Keep your antenna up (this is kind of a dated phrase) for information about what your parishioners love about ministry. Connect their love with the community’s needs.

You are a deacon 24/7. And beautiful things happen when this is recognized, and it happens even when you are not in your clerical shirt and collar, and when you are not even near a church.  People will gravitate to you- they will seek advice, or support, or will come to you with items to donate, and some will have a genuine curiosity about the diaconate and will want to know more. I call it “the Spirit at work.”

I am saying prayers of gratitude for my journey.  Thanking all of you, near and far.

Please pray for me as I move forward into my second year.