Rev. Mr. Joe Smith

Interview with Deacon Joe Smith

How did you come to hear the call of the Lord?
While attending 9:00am daily Mass I meet Deacon Bob Kratchman who was a deacon at St. Therese. We struck up a friendship and would often talk about the deaconate. The more I talked with Deacon Bob, the more I want to learn from him and the other deacons. This lead to conversations with our pastor and taking lay ministry classes. It was after lay ministry things came together and I knew I wanted to be a deacon.

What was your family's reaction?
My family was very supportive of me wanting to be a deacon. My wife Sue was especially supportive, even after she found out she would be attending the Saturday classes with me. I am very thankful to my family for their love, support, and prayers throughout my formation.

What has been your experience in this parish?
My experience is that St. Therese is a parish of giving, both to the parish and outside the parish. I have been blessed to experience this through teaching Faith Formation and Pre Baptism classes. I have also witnessed this when working with MOST (Men of St. Therese), the Knights of Columbus and Cursillo. I had a wonderful experience with the Christian Life Community and working in the food pantry at the Christian Mission. I have come to see St. Therese as a beautiful parish, made up of beautiful people, doing beautiful things for God.

What have been your preparation and studies?
My preparation for the deaconate began with 2 years of lay ministry courses given by the Charlotte Diocese. I then began four years of formation, which included both classroom studies and hands on training given by the diocese. In addition, I took four years of courses through University of Notre Dame.

What is your goal as a deacon of the Church?
To assist in parish roles as needed. I would like to work with the marriage tribunal and prison ministry. I would also love to learn Spanish.