Name: Lowell Van Wyk
Age: 63
Wife: Denise
Two daughters: Gretchen Davis (son-in-law CJ Davis; three grandsons, 5-year-old twins Gavin and Wesley Davis and 1-½-year-old Spencer Davis) and Lara Van Wyk.
Parish: St. Mary, Pella
Occupation: Production Specialist at Pella Engraving Company/semi-retired.
How did you know you were being called to the diaconate? Getting involved with parish ministries started me on the path of deacon formation. They include: serving on several spiritual retreat leadership teams, serving on RCIA leadership teams and serving as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. I also had several people suggest that I consider deacon formation. But I think the defining moment was when I came to realize how much I love the church.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a deacon candidate? Growing my relationship with Jesus has been the most rewarding aspect of deacon formation.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being a deacon candidate? One of the most challenging aspects of deacon formation has been going outside my comfort zone to minister to others through my field experiences.
What do you look most forward to in your ministry as a deacon? I look forward to serving as a deacon at Mass and other liturgies. These five years of formation have impressed on me the incredible gifts we are given in the sacraments.
What special ministry will you undertake? I will continue to minister at the Newton Correctional Facility in two capacities: lead Communion services and facilitate RCIA/adult education. I will also continue to work at The Well on a care team as a client coordinator. The Well is a resource center in Pella for people who have a variety of needs. Many of our clients are people who might be considered working poor. They make too much for aid but not enough to sustain their basic needs.
What is your favorite Scripture passage? John 21:15-19 is one of my favorite passages. This Scripture reading is a powerful scene of reconciliation between Jesus and Peter. Jesus’ words to Peter, “feed my sheep” are so meaningful to me as Christ calls us to serve others.
