‘I have never regretted answering God’s call’

The Diocese of Honolulu will begin its seventh formation class for permanent deacons in the fall of 2009. Information sessions will be offered on several islands this fall for active Catholic men, 30 and older, who feel called to this particular vocation. The Hawaii Catholic Herald will be publishing articles by deacons this summer to re-introduce readers to this special ministry.

By Deacon Ron Choo | Special to the Herald

When our diocese decided more than 30 years ago to implement the permanent diaconate, I didn’t think I would want to commit myself to this lifetime ministry. I was already active in our church as a lector, a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and as a participant in various parish and diocesan organizations. I felt being a volunteer afforded me the luxury of being able to walk away from these activities at any time.

But the late Sacred Hearts Father Mark Consalvi, Msgr. Daniel Dever, parish friends, others in our diocese, and especially my family, encouraged me to think about it. I eventually applied to the deacon program and, in God’s mysterious ways, was allowed to begin my preparation.

The years of formation was spent in the study of our Faith, the Gospels, the history of our church, its various documents, papal encyclicals, the letters and announcements of our bishops and, of course, what and who a permanent deacon is. More importantly, it was a time of prayer, discernment, spiritual direction and discussions with family and friends on how this would impact my life as a husband and father, a working man, a man of the church.

Knowing that this was a vocation — a call from God to serve, to be ordained — I came to a prayerful decision that this was what God was calling me to. I have never regretted answering God’s call.

Being in the first group of men in our diocese to be ordained permanent deacons was a great responsibility. We had to prove to our diocese that it had made a wise decision in implementing the permanent diaconate. This was done not necessarily through any outstanding work on our part, but through the continuing good works and ministries of the many deacons ordained in our diocese after us.

I can say that our church in Hawaii is much better for what these deacons have done in service to the people of God.

My wife Catherine was a great support during the years of formation. She attended most of our monthly weekend sessions, often taking off during the afternoon breaks to spend time with our three children who ranged in age from 10 to l4, and always returning to be with me for our evening sessions and prayer.

At night, she would return home to be with the children and be back for morning prayers. She continued in her own ministry as a religious education teacher in our Catholic high schools during which time she earned a master’s of arts in religious education from the University of San Francisco. Now retired from teaching, she has served as a director of religious education in various parishes.

After my ordination by Bishop John J. Scanlan on Dec. 5, 1981, I was assigned to my home parish of St. Ann in Kaneohe. There I helped prepare parents in the baptism of their infants, often baptizing them during our liturgy. I not only assisted at Mass on the weekends but was given the privilege to preach. I prepared engaged couples for marriage and presiding over their weddings. I visited the sick, took the Eucharist to those who could not be at Sunday Mass and, on occasion, conducted services at wakes and burials.

It was during these years that I was asked to begin a ministry to the men in Oahu Community Correctional Center, and later expanded it to the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua. If it wasn’t for the help of many volunteers like Jack Sullivan, Father Paul Evers, Sacred Hearts Sister Katherine Francis Miller and others, and the support of Bishop Joseph Ferrario, I don’t think this ministry would have progressed to what it is today, especially without the dedication and enthusiasm of Deacon Walter Yoshimitsu who stepped in when I could no longer continue.

Eventually, I was assigned to Blessed Sacrament Church in Pauoa Valley at the request of Father Consalvi. When Blessed Sacrament was clustered with St. Stephen Parish in Nuuanu, I continued my sacramental and liturgical services at both parishes.

I have been fortunate during my 27 years as a permanent deacon to be associated with priests and laity who have validated my vocation. They, with my family, have encouraged and supported me immeasurably. I have no regrets in being ordained to this special ministry in our church.

Finally, my wife and I were fortunate to be part of the core preparation team for our last class of permanent deacons who were ordained last year. To mentor and share our experiences with these men and their wives is something I will treasure as I watch them minister as permanent deacons in our Diocese of Honolulu.