Deacon Patrick McCormack
Wife: Mary Ann McCormack
Home Parish: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Marysville
Parish Assignment: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Marysville
What drew you to serve the Diocese as a Deacon?
Reflecting on various Bible passages, especially the Parable of the Talents, helped me to recognize that I felt called to offer myself to serve the Church in a more significant way. All that we are and all that we have comes from God, and loving God should lead us to use His gifts as He intends, once we discern His intent. It also took an act of faith to accept the old adage (which follows 1 Corinthians 1:26-29) that God doesn’t necessarily call the qualified, but qualifies the called.
Deacon Patrick McCormack
What aspect of the ministry are you most looking forward to?
I genuinely look forward to applying myself to whatever the greatest needs of my parish or other assignment might be, but given my background, I hope to work in a teaching ministry.
What is/was your profession prior to ordination?
I am a high school social studies teacher, summer camp counselor, and retired Army National Guard human resources technician.
How has the formation program helped you grow spiritually?
Diaconal formation has certainly brought greater focus and discipline to my spiritual life and has been a very enriching experience for my entire family.
Deacon Michael McGovern
Wife: Tara McGovern
Home Parish: St. Andrew the Apostle, Waynesboro
Parish Assignment: St. Andrew the Apostle, Waynesboro
What drew you to serve the Diocese as a Deacon?
I began serious discernment to the permanent diaconate in the fall of 2004 when I started to volunteer as a sacristan at St. Andrew’s. While spending quiet time alone in both the sacristy and in the sanctuary, I was able to pick up on the whisper of God’s call. Over the years, there were moments when the call was loud and clear, and other times when I tuned it out; however, while serving as sacristan, members of the Church would drop hints to me about a vocation as a deacon. I would get gifts – prayer books, devotionals, offers of prayers – that led me closer and closer to the Lord and to answering his call until, finally, I was able to make an application to the program and was graciously accepted.
Deacon Michael McGovern
What aspect of the ministry are you most looking forward to?
Throughout formation, I have learned that there is a need for extreme flexibility when it comes to the ministry of deacon and in serving God’s people. I am looking forward to serving the Church in the ministry of the word, of liturgy and charity. However, what that ministry looks like and what shape it takes only God knows, but I do know that I am looking forward to serving in the Diocese of Harrisburg in whatever manner He has in store for me.
What is/was your profession prior to ordination?
I am currently the Chief of Police for the Washington Township Police Department.
How has the formation program helped you grow spiritually?
There are no words to express my gratitude to Bishop Gainer, Father Schenck, and the entire formation team for developing the program to foster my human, academic, and spiritual formation. My wife, Tara, and I have grown in our relationship with Jesus and have cultivated a closer relationship with the Blessed Mother. I have been able to integrate my spiritual life into my marriage, my family life, and my professional life as a police officer. I can see more clearly how important it is to witness the Gospel message of Jesus to everyone I meet.
Deacon Jorge L. Nazario
Wife: Migdalia Pagan
Home Parish: San Juan Bautista, Lancaster
Parish Assignment: San Juan Bautista, Lancaster
What drew you to serve the Diocese as a Deacon?
Some years ago, I felt the need to surrender to God. I was struck by the service of the deacons of our church, Deacon José Lopez, Deacon Félix Ramos, Deacon Expedito Santos and especially Deacon Manuel (Manny) Velázquez. His example and dedication led me to ask one day about the diaconate. Invited by the priests, Father Bernardo Pistone and Father Edgar Palacios and my mentor Deacon José López and living their ministry closely, I discovered the vocation to the diaconate. Today, I am here ready to serve the Lord in my brothers.
Deacon Jorge L. Nazario
What aspect of the ministry are you most looking forward to?
I always thought that God had prepared me to work with marriages. I have discovered during formation that God places us where there is need. Even though there are several ministries that I like a lot, I identify with those most in need.
What is/was your profession prior to ordination?
My previous job was Church Keeper. Today, I am a chaplain for the Catholic Church in the Lancaster County Prison.
How has the formation program helped you grow spiritually?
The formation program has taken me to another spiritual level. In the life of prayer, I have been able to deepen more in my personal relationship with God. I am also learning to live in the suffering, the joy, the peace and the need of others. I have known spiritual unity in marriage. The presence of God among us has allowed us to see clearly the beauty of the vocation of the family. This is the same unity that we live in the diaconate for spirit and ministry.
