St. Francis Welcomes a Candidate for the Diaconate!

Hello everyone, my name is Michael Niese, and I recently started my third year of formation in the permanent diaconate program.  As a part of formation, I have been assigned to St. Francis de Sales for this academic year!  I am extremely thankful for this opportunity, and I am excited to get involved at the parish and meet as many of you as possible.

My wife, Janelle, and I live in Wadsworth with our four children – James (7), Thomas (5), Elizabeth (3), and Margaret (1).  And in the next couple of weeks, we are expecting baby #5!  I began to more seriously discern the vocation of a deacon about four years ago, before the birth of our first daughter.  I entered formation in the fall of 2022, and it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience.

Having a parish assignment provides me an opportunity to learn about a new parish, and in doing so, this experience should help me grow in my faith and pastoral formation.  Deacons are called to serve in the Ministry of Liturgy, Word, and Charity.  I look forward to finding different ways to serve the parish in each of these areas this year.

Regardless of whether or not this road ultimately leads to me being ordained a deacon, saying “yes” to this call has been one of the best decisions of my life.  This “yes” has led me to some incredible places over the past couple of years, and now it has led me here.

Answering a call to any vocation is an exercise in humility and surrendering to God, but in doing so there is also a tremendous sense of joy and freedom.  What I have already gained in formation has been so much greater than what I was initially concerned about “giving up” by pursuing this vocation.

Know that I am praying for you, and please continue to pray for those serving the Church as ordained priests and deacons, consecrated religious, or lay ecclesial ministers.  I look forward to the experiences ahead, and I welcome the opportunity to serve the parish and community this year!

Thank you,
Michael Niese