Deacon Rick Wagner (Archdiocese of Indianapolis, ordained 2012) has spent 40+ years in Catholic education and now serves as president of a Catholic high school while ministering at the same parish where he was baptized 67 years ago. In this conversation, he shares:

- How he discovered the diaconate while running a retreat house
- His "Tell Your Story" retreat ministry reaching 15+ dioceses
- Why he uses social media as a pulpit during morning prayer
- Walking with his wife through cancer and deepening shared prayer
- What it means to accompany the dying through their fears

Plus: why St. Joseph is his favorite saint, and the moment his spiritual director's blunt honesty set him free.

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Patrick's journey includes divorce at 35, a conversion experience sparked by a Baptist radio preacher, remarriage and 10 children, and decades working for the Church in marriage ministry, retreat leadership, and missions. But the most surprising chapter? When his wife became a travel nurse, they bought a bus and took their family across America—serving in parishes from Illinois to Florida to Washington State and everywhere in between.

Along the way, Patrick discovered the beauty of the universal Church expressed in countless parishes, raised children who have no fear of change, and learned that close quarters create deep family bonds. His kids now gather for "dad lore" nights, asking to hear more of his story.

Patrick speaks honestly about his struggle with workaholism, the importance of his wife keeping him grounded, and why 3 AM adoration is his favorite hour. His advice for men considering the diaconate: "If you think God might be calling you, he is. Jump in."

Key topics: Divorce and conversion, blended family, travel nursing ministry, living on a bus, parish diversity, Christ the King, adoration, homebound ministry, obedience to the bishop

Adam grew up in a home where his mother practiced black magic, kept the Satanic Bible, and actively hated the Catholic Church. There was no Christian faith, no structure—just survival through instability.

Through a guitar teacher's invitation to a Baptist church, Adam found Christ at 25. But it was a series of vivid dreams—including one where his deceased mother appeared to affirm his path—that led him to the Catholic Church and eventually to the diaconate.

Now ordained alongside Michael, Adam speaks openly about the reality of spiritual attack ("The devil didn't bother me when I was living in debauchery—but now he's on me like you wouldn't believe"), his journey to 604 days sober, and leading men's ministry through the Knights of Columbus CORE program.

This episode is a testament to the transforming power of grace—that no background is too dark for God to redeem.

Key topics: Conversion story, spiritual warfare, dreams and discernment, alcoholism recovery, men's ministry, CORE Knights of Columbus, nursing home ministry, St. John Paul II

Deacon Lekë shares his journey as a first-generation Albanian-American, growing up in a traditionally Catholic family while navigating life in Chicago. He opens up about owning a bar for 17 years, falling into dark places, and the moment he realized he couldn't walk through life without the Lord.

What we discuss:

• Growing up Albanian-Catholic in Chicago and finding community in the Croatian parish
• Falling away from the faith and finding himself in unexpected places
• The moment God's mercy brought him back to the Church
• Seeds of vocation planted at 24 that took years to bloom
• Seeking out adoration chapels during formation and asking God, "Are you sure you want me?"
• The profound moment of lying prostrate at ordination
• Why listening is the most important part of ministry
• Navigating parish unification and learning patience in correction
• His passion for evangelization and Alpha ministry

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Opening Prayer
2:21 - Growing up Albanian-Catholic in Chicago
6:04 - Falling away from the faith
9:30 - The call to the diaconate
15:34 - Adoration and discernment during formation
18:42 - Most striking memory from ordination
21:54 - Surprises in ministry
28:49 - Balancing prayer, family, work, and ministry
36:32 - Frustrations in parish ministry
41:36 - Advice for deacons and those discerning
44:57 - Speed round: Favorite saint, book, and ministry focus
47:06 - Closing prayer

Whether you're a deacon, in formation, or discerning this call, Lekë's honest reflection on God's patience with crooked lines will resonate deeply.

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In this inaugural episode, I sit down with Deacon Alec Campbell to hear his remarkable journey from a young man in central Louisiana to ordained diaconate ministry. Deacon Alec shares about his formative Steubenville Youth Conference experience, his year as a NET missionary in Canada, and the winding path that led him from considering priesthood to embracing his vocation as a permanent deacon.

What we discuss:

• Growing up Catholic in Louisiana and the influence of his devout grandmother
• The pivotal eighth-grade Steubenville conference that changed everything
• Life as a NET missionary and learning to be "uncomfortable"
• Discerning between priesthood and the diaconate
• Navigating family life, full-time work, and ministry
• His deep passion for liturgy and helping others fall in love with the Mass
• Why every deacon's story matters

Whether you're a deacon, in discernment, or simply curious about diaconate ministry, this conversation offers an authentic look at what it means to be called to serve as a deacon in the Catholic Church.

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Email: deaconmichael@deaconlife.com

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