Spouse: Terry Kessel Miller
Children: Three children; our two daughters, 34 and 31, respectively, are teachers in the Des Moines area and our son lives in a group home for mentally and physically challenged young adults. We also have one son-in law.
Residence: Iowa City
Date and place of ordination: June 2002, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport.
Occupation: PRN hospital chaplain
Why did you become a deacon?
I felt a need to become more involved in helping the people of God. When I was in my early 20s, my best friend gave up his girlfriend and went to the seminary. I was contemplating the same path and a special young lady walked in front of me.
What ministries are you involved in?
RCIA, grief and bereavement, social justice at the hands-on level.
What are your challenges?
First, finding a full- or part-time chaplain position. Reasonable jobs in the current economy are generally age-biased. Second, I am a strong Vatican II person. As a result, I struggle with some of the Church happenings today.
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
Matthew 5:1-12, 38-47, Matthew 25:31-47: This is a hard question to answer, since I have many other passages. I feel that the three statements give us some direction in living a God-centered life.
Education:
MA in Pastoral Care and Administration, St. Mary’s University, Winona, Minn.; BS, Radiologic Technology, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Certificate in Spiritual Direction, St. Ambrose University, Davenport; CPE Unit 1, CEP Unit 2.
