Vic Desloover

Deacon

I was ordained as a Roman Catholic permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Dubuque in 2007. My role is ministry and outreach to the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, and to be minister of Word and Sacrament. I work with the staff and faith community of the Good Shepherd Cluster. While all Christians are called to serve others, the deacon is an ordained sign of service. Together with my wife, I have solemnly promised to be a living example of Christ in our cluster.

God has blessed me with many opportunities to minister. I teach 8th grade religious education and lead a Thursday morning men’s Scripture study. I teach altar servers, baptismal and marriage preparation, and along with my wife, Nancy, organize Pre-Cana. I visit the sick and take communion to rural homebound residents, the assisted living in Fredericksburg, and the hospital in New Hampton on Sunday morning. As ordained clergy, deacons assist with the liturgy, baptize, witness marriages, preside at wake services, preside at funerals outside of Mass, and conduct graveside services.

Nancy and I are also presenters for the Deacon Task Force for building stronger marriages for the Archdiocese of Dubuque. We are committed to our marriage and take every opportunity to help build stronger marriages in our community and diocese. We have been married for 44 years; have four adult children, and 11 grandchildren. We live on an acreage six miles west and north of Fredericksburg and are preparing ourselves for retirement this fall.

There are about 100 active deacons in the Archdiocese of Dubuque and our goal is to serve in the manner of Jesus, to be a men of prayer, be willing to make personal sacrifices, and be a sign of God’s love to others.