Two Parishioners Accepted Into Diaconate

June 6, 2023

Two Parishioners Accepted Into Diaconate
Congratulations to parishioners Vijay Devadas and Guy Maras, who were recently accepted into the Diocese of Joliet Diaconate Formation Program, which begins in August.

Like bishops and priests, deacons are ordained ministers of the Catholic Church and share Christ’s mission and grace. Through their sacramental ordination and various ministries, deacons are called to serve the church in many ways:

Minister of the Word—Deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach and teach in the name of the Church.
Minister of Sacrament—Deacons baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages and conduct wake and funeral services.
Minister of Charity—Deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others.

Vijay Devadas
As an active member of the parish since 2009, Vijay serves many roles here: adoration chapel committee member, usher, sacristan, Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister, altar server, and lector. He is also involved with the Knights of Columbus as a fourth-degree Knight, was a member of Serra Club of DuPage County, and is involved with ministry at Edward Hospital.

Vijay has a great devotion to the Blessed Mother, and he often travels the world visiting Marian Shrines. The calling to become a Deacon was initiated during one of these pilgrimas in in Częstochowa, Krakow (Poland), where he was asked to bless a Rosary. He said, "Miss, I am not a Priest, I cannot Bless this Rosary." The woman replied, "Oh, I am sorry—I thought you were a priest. You look like clergy." The seed was planted in his mind by a total stranger.

During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Vijay stepped in to serve as an adult altar server and experienced the joy of serving our Lord at Mass, and that prompted him to apply for the Diaconate program. Vijay received help and encouragement from Fr. Brad Baker, Fr. Mike McMahon, and various other priests and deacons, for which he is very grateful. The Diaconate application process has helped to further his spiritual journey, and he's looking forward to the formation process.

Guy Maras
Guy and his family (wife Gina and four daughters: Jana, Greta, Claudia, and Caroline) have been parishioners since 2001, and he’s been an active member of the Knights of Columbus for eight or nine years. During the pandemic, he answered the call for volunteers to work as greeters for Reconciliation, Baptisms, and Mass. Guy is also a Homecoming Fest volunteer and he attends Fishers of Men every Saturday morning.

Guy’s calling to the Diaconate was initiated by a friend of his, Fr. John Costello. “While discussing my faith, Fr. Costello encouraged me to think more imaginatively,” says Guy, “which allowed me to view the journey differently.” He also attended a few retreats at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington, which led him to follow God’s call to turn myself over completely. “The challenge is a daily one,” admits Guy, “but I try to remain singularly focused on that mission.”

Guy says the Diaconate application process helped him to explore the calling and recognize the commitment more fully. Although his ministry focus is to be determined, Guy is focused on reaching marginalized populations. “I am inspired to begin the journey.”