Name: Mark Comer
Age: 48
Family: Wife, Susan, and three children; Nathan, Paige and Ben
Occupation: business owner
Parish: St. Joseph, DeWitt
How did you know you were being called to the diaconate?
My activity in the Church led others to suggest the diaconate; prayer and reflection confirmed the encouragement of those around me.
What is most rewarding about being a deacon candidate?
The love and encouragement I have experienced from my family, parish and community coupled with the many interesting field ministry assignments and the opportunity to study theology and reflect on who I am and what God may be calling me to.
What is most challenging about being a deacon candidate?
The time commitment and constant barrage of deadlines, considering the demands of running a business and being part of an active family, makes for a rather stressful life. But we tend to fill our time regardless, so better to fill it with many positive activities versus so many other distractions that can be less positive.
What do you look most forward to in your ministry as a deacon?
Honestly I don’t feel I have a good handle yet on what that ministry will look like; the things I tend to enjoy most involve sharing my love of Scripture and the beauty of the teachings of the Church with others and simply spending time with those who need company.
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
John 13:34-35 “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
