Director of Mission and Ministry Ken Goedeke was ordained as a deacon on the morning of Saturday, September 30. The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Saint Mary our Queen.

Deacon Goedeke has an official ministry on behalf of the bishop. As a deacon, he is serving the people of God and can administer baptisms and weddings.

Deacon Goedeke said he is looking forward to “being able to take what I do every day, spreading the good news in the Gospel and its values, and continuing to share that with people.”

Becoming a deacon is a four-year-long process that involves academic studies and pastoral internships. Deacons study theology at a seminary alongside others preparing to be priests or deacons.

Deacon Goedeke did his internships at St. Stephen’s parish and at Upper Chesapeake Hospital. At the hospital, he performed chaplain ministry.

Deacon Goedeke said that becoming a deacon is “something I felt called to by God in prayer to serve, and I’ve always felt called to serve people, especially those in need.” His desire and willingness to serve those in need fits the characteristics of a deacon.

Encouragement from family and friends was a factor in his decision to pursue becoming a deacon.

“The last couple of years before I applied to become a deacon, a lot of people would approach me and say, ‘I think you would make a good deacon.’ There was a consistent affirmation from people supporting me and encouraging me to become a deacon,” he added.

Archbishop Lori has appointed him as Diaconal of Ministry at John Carroll. His students have begun to address him as “Deacon Goedeke,” and to the people at his church, he will be known as “Deacon Ken.”

At his ceremony, Deacon Goedeke was ordained alongside two other John Carroll graduates. Dan Webster, class of ‘81, and Brian Olsen, class of ’90, who also became deacons on September 30.

On Friday, October 6, Deacon Goedeke served for the first time as a deacon at John Carroll during the Mass of Thanksgiving.