“You are the face of the church in your lives,” Bishop Vásquez said to the men. “You must be the living expression of the church.” He encouraged the new deacons to be the face of caridad (charity), which is one of the three theological virtues, along with faith and hope. It is one of the highest forms of love, embracing the love of God and neighbor, he said. Half of the members of the Deacon Class of 2025 were featured in the June issue Catholic Spirit. The following pages feature the rest of the men ordained to the diaconate in March.

Roger Bjork

Deacon Roger Bjork, assigned to his home parish of St. John Vianney in Round Rock, shared a personal journey that resonates with many. Widowed in 2016 after 34 years of marriage, Deacon Bjork believes he has ¨an awesome advocate praying and interceding for me from heaven — my wife, Julia!” Their two married children and their spouses have also supported his journey to the diaconate.

He has been active at St. John Vianney for more than 25 years, including serving with the Knights of Columbus and the parish Finance Council as a lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He also served as an adult liturgical minister, assisting priests and deacons during Mass and overseeing altar servers.

“To battle against pride and keep a humble servant’s heart,” Deacon Bjork starts his day with morning prayer and often the Litany of Humility. He credits his formation experience to the rosary, prayer and Scripture. Deacon Bjork also prays the Litany of Trust to help keep him focused on the Triune God as “the source of all that is good, beautiful and true.”

A deacon’s job is to serve not just the needs of parishioners but also those of the community. In this regard, Deacon Bjork, with the help of a fellow parishioner, started a Catholic Bereavement Ministry to help others move forward through mourning the loss of a spouse, child, parent, sibling or friend. In addition, the newly ordained deacon is actively involved in prison ministry to bring Christ to the 1,000 men residing in the Bartlett Innovation Unit in northeastern Williamson County.

Aurelio Cadena

Recently ordained Deacon Aurelio Cadena has been assigned to his home parish of St. Mary Catholic Center in College Station. Deacon Cadena credits his family, especially his wife Rachael, for prompting him and supporting him in his diaconate formation. “God spoke through my wife, as he often does, and I have learned to recognize and trust my wife’s discernment,” the newly ordained deacon said.

“Whether you are an inmate, a parent, or a poor college student, you must carry your cross daily,” Deacon Cadena said. “I was ordained to help those who are asking for help.” He views his ministry as accompanying those in need, encouraging and leading them and others to salvation.

A deacon is a man of Scripture, Deacon Cadena pointed out. “Daily meditation on the Gospel readings is necessary to conform your life and vocation to what you proclaim,” he said. Words during the diaconal ordination hit the new deacon hard: “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” He strives to live by these words.

Deacon Cadena sees part of his mission as working with college students to help promote vocations. His focus is to assist young men discerning the priesthood and religious life. Moreover, with his wife´s help, he ministers to couples preparing for the vocation of marriage. St. Mary Catholic Center, he said, is a safe place where young people can discern their vocation and grow in virtue in pursuit of God’s sacred calling. Additionally, his work involves bringing the sick, injured, imprisoned — physically and spiritually — to the altar, “where the Divine Physician can heal them,” he said.

Kyle Hammons

Some 100 miles southwest of College Station is the historic parish of St. Mary of the Assumption in the small community of String Prairie and nearby Sacred Heart Parish in Rockne, where new Deacon Kyle Hammons is practicing his diaconal vocation. By his side are his wife, Kelsey, and their nine children, ranging from 17 months to 17 years. While Deacon Hammons was in formation, he and his family prayed about it daily. “It was not just my decision but theirs,” he said.

His small parish recently started the Gabriel Project, a ministry that provides emotional and spiritual support for pregnant women and families in need. Through this ministry, he prays with expectant mothers seeking help. He also sings in the parish choir and helps organize parish devotionals.

Deacon Hammons spends about 50 hours a week on his parish duties, so he has had to learn how to balance church and family time. “God commissioned me to the church,” Deacon Hammons said, “but at the same time, you need to minister to your family too.” He feels blessed to be able to serve the church and serve his family.

Nathan Sharp

Deacon Nathan Sharp and his family are parishioners of San José Parish in Austin. The deacon and his wife Verónica have three children: Iliana, Jacqueline and Paul Gabriel. He teaches at Westwood High School in Austin.

From the moment he began his discernment, Deacon Sharp included his children in the decision to become a deacon. “I wanted to ensure they knew they had a say in whether or not I stayed in formation. I wanted to make sure my new responsibilities would not make them feel neglected. After they prayed, they all gave me permission,” Deacon Sharp said. “I would not have been able to accomplish formation without their support.” His dedication to his family is a testament to the balance he strives to maintain in his life and ministry.

The deacon’s first ministry was in the choir at San José. His next ministry with parish youth has lasted for 35 years. Over those years, he coached softball and volleyball teams and taught every grade level, including confirmation classes. He also coordinated first holy Communion and RESPETO, Catholic youth leadership formation. “It was with this group that I grew in leadership, patience and understanding, and to appreciate the uniqueness of each individual,” Deacon Sharp said.

He has also taught baptismal classes, led the marriage preparation team, and served in the Kerygmatic Evangelization Ministry. He has also served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, master of ceremonies and sacristan, and helps with the parish Jamaica.

“My primary duty as deacon is to be the bridge that connects the priest on the altar to the parishioners,” Deacon Sharp said.

John Swanson

Deacon John Swanson serves his home of Emmaus Parish in Lakeway. He and his wife Ana have six children: Johnny, Konner, Tim, Sarah, Julia and Kevin. “Ana’s faith, encouragement and sacrifices remind me that ministry begins at home,” Deacon Swanson said.

His vocation to the diaconate must complement, not compete with, his calling as a spouse, parent and worker, the deacon pointed out. “I can serve with love and integrity by placing Christ at the center of all I do. Prioritizing time for family, fulfilling my work duties with diligence and embracing the deacon’s call to service with joy will help me live a harmonious life,” he said.

Deacon Swanson typically serves at two Masses each weekend. He and his wife teach adult faith formation and marriage preparation and occasionally help with baptismal preparation and OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). They are also involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and other ministries. “Being very active in our parish has redirected my life focus in a stronger direction toward God, who is now in everything we do at our parish or away,” the deacon said.

“A deacon is ordained to serve — first God, then his church, with a heart rooted in humility and obedience,” Deacon Swanson said.

Robert Tavarez

Deacon Robert Tavarez serves his home parish of St. Vincent de Paul in Austin. The deacon and his wife, Kelly, have nine children (ages 13 to 30), two daughters-in-law and two granddaughters. Five of the children were still living at home when he was in formation, and their input was significant. He still has two children in school and others in college, and plans to continue to be active in their school activities. Having retired last year, he is ready to serve his church and family.

Deacon Tavarez has been involved in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and he has served as a sacristan and lector. He is also a member of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. Various retreats over the last two decades helped him discern his call to the diaconate, and he has also led men’s prayer groups.

While he and his wife had discussed the diaconate, it came to the forefront during a vacation to Hawaii. “We were at a small parish, and as we were exiting, the deacon walked up to me and said, ‘The Holy Spirit is telling me that you should be a deacon.’” A short time later, he submitted his application.

The Holy Spirit again stepped in to help when the deacon-to-be was on business trips and made it possible for him to attend daily Mass and adoration wherever he went. When he was not traveling, his schedule opened to further his prayer life. “Embracing prayer life and the sacraments was a veil of protection and encouragement for me,” he said.