The Deacon

By Deacon Kevin Combs and Deacon Pete Fiore

The presence of the Catholic Deacon in secondary education offers a powerful and unique contribution to Catholic high schools. As Deacons active in both parish life and Catholic education, we witness daily how the Spirit moves in classrooms, hallways, and chapels – and how the Church becomes real for young hearts through quiet, consistent witness.

We both serve in parish ministries and teach Theology at an all-girls Catholic high school founded by the Sisters of Charity in northern New Jersey. It is a faith-filled, energetic environment. On any given day, we may be called to prepare prayer services, help plan a liturgy, answer questions about faith, or simply offer a listening ear. Students come with concerns about family, friends, or exams. Teachers might ask for prayer or help discerning something weighing on them. In every situation, we respond with prayer and pastoral care, humbly walking with those we serve. We also work closely with the Campus Minister to support the broader spiritual life of the school.

Catechesis Beyond the Classroom

One of the greatest blessings of serving in a Catholic school is the chance to engage in catechesis both inside and outside the classroom. We teach doctrine and Church history, but some of the most powerful teaching moments happen informally: in the hallway, during lunch, or between classes. The students affectionately call us “DK” and “Deacon Pete.” Being a Deacon here is not only a ministry, it’s fun.

A highlight of our ministry is the “Church Tour.” Our school’s chapel, built by the Sisters of Charity, is a stunning and sacred space. We begin the tour by showing students that the layout of the chapel forms a cross – a hidden message in the architecture.

We then explore the symbolism and theology embedded in every part of the chapel. Each stained-glass window tells the story of a saint; and each object – including the altar, ambo, sanctuary lamp, and vestments – becomes a lesson in Catholic tradition.

In the sacristy, students touch a chalice, hold empty ciboria, explore the lectionary and sacramentary. Their reactions are filled with wonder. Almost every time, someone says, “I had no idea.” We end the tour at the reliquary of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a Sister of Charity and alumna of our school. Her ongoing cause for canonization inspires students, especially young women, to see holiness as something within reach. We give each student a holy card and invite them to pray for her intercession. They leave not only with facts, but with a deeper sense of faith and connection.

Forming Faithful Leaders

We are especially committed to highlighting the essential role of women in the Church. In our lessons, we emphasize the contributions of women in Scripture, theology, and ministry. The Church would be incomplete without their leadership and compassion. We want every graduate to leave knowing she has a place of influence in the Body of Christ.

Ministry That Never Ends

For us, catechesis is a way of life. Every encounter with a student, teacher, or family member is an opportunity to share the Gospel – whether it’s someone who has forgotten the faith, never heard it, or seeks to understand it more deeply. In the ordinary spaces of the school, we find sacred ground.

The Diaconate in Catholic education offers a unique witness. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being present, faithful, and ready to serve wherever the Spirit leads. In the chaos of school life, we find grace in unexpected places and the Church alive in a new generation. TD

Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com/jacoblund