Name: Dave Mead
Age: 60
Spouse: Kathy
Home parish: St. Ambrose in Woodbury
Residence: Cottage Grove
Profession: Chemistry instructor at Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant, Welch
Children: Michael (30), Haley Mead Fuchs (27)
Birthplace: St. Cloud
Q) What inspired you to pursue the diaconate?
A) In 2013, I consistently began hearing the words, “Feed my people” as I sat at Sunday Mass. This was replaced by the words, “Of those given much, much is required.” Then our priest at St. Ambrose mentioned a diaconate inquiry session being held and I knew I was supposed to attend.
Q) What made you certain this was your call?
A) One day, I realized that the words I was hearing while I sat at Mass were the words of Jesus to St. Peter. Then, I realized I was being called to pursue the diaconate.
Q) What aspect of diaconate ministry are you most looking forward to?
A) Ministering one-on-one to parishioners and the sick and suffering.
Q) What areas of ministry are you especially interested in?
A) Intercessory prayer and healing ministries.
Q) What role will your family play in your new ministry?
A) My wife is involved in providing Communion services at senior living facilities in the St. Ambrose parish boundaries. She also supports the intercessory prayer group at St. Ambrose.
Q) Where do you see the greatest needs in the local Church?
A) I see the greatest need in the local Church is that people know how much God loves them.
Q) What part of your formation has been the most rewarding?
A) Experiencing the deepening life of prayer has been the most rewarding part of formation.
Q) Who has been a model for your ministry?
A) In 1988, I attended a month-long Monastic Experience Program at St. John’s Abbey. Many of the monks are also priests and professors. The abbot only wanted to be called by his first name. I want to follow the example of serving the Lord without the need to be recognized.
Q) What do you most hope to offer the Church through this vocation?
A) As deacon, I hope to be present to those I encounter, so that they know how much God loves them.
Q) What has been the most challenging part of pursuing this vocation?
A) The most challenging part of pursuing the diaconate is integrating the demands of formation, family and work. It can be challenging to ensure that I am giving the appropriate attention to each area of my life.
Q) What can the Church do to inspire other men to answer the diaconate calling?
A) I think a good way to inspire other men to answer the call to the diaconate is announce Deacon Inquiry Sessions at Sunday Masses at all churches in the archdiocese.
Q) What advice would you give another man discerning the diaconate?
A) I recommend that men discerning the diaconate take time daily to listen to the quiet voice that stirs their heart as they sit in silence. Also, I advise them to seek opportunities to connect with other men in their parish.
