Hello fellow parishioners. My name is Phil Theodore, and I want to let you know that as a result of your prayers and support, I have been accepted into the Diaconate Formation Program of our Archdiocese. It is a three-year educational and discernment program that prepares the candidates for a life of increased service to God, the Archdiocese, our parish family, and the local community.

I have been married to Kathryn (McDonough) for almost nineteen years. We have been able to grow closer throughout our marriage by ensuring God was always the anchor of our relationship with each other. Though we weren’t blessed with children, our nieces and nephews have been the beneficiaries of our available time and attention. Kathryn has been incredibly supportive during the time it took me to complete the Lay Pastoral Ministry Program and will now have to sacrifice even more time apart and increased responsibilities including near total care of Rocko, our 3-year-old (Husky/Chow/Lab mix) rescue dog. Wives are so important to the success of marriages and family life, and Kathryn has been an incredible wife and has been so supportive through the entire process.

I am very grateful for all the blessings that God has given me and I have heard the call to demonstrate that gratitude through a higher level of service. The instructors at the St. Mary’s Seminary are world class and I look forward to the opportunities of sharing the knowledge gained from them with all of you in future liturgical and pastoral service, bible studies, book studies, and other ministries offered by our family of parishes.

God’s peace and blessings,

Phil Theodore