Deacon Henry Joseph Reese
Wife: Claudia Reese
Home Parish: Holy Trinity, Columbia
Parish Assignment: Holy Trinity, Columbia
What drew you to serve the Diocese as a deacon?
Answering God’s call in service to the Church was not a consideration for me until the bulletin announcement was published in early 2015, and after a few parishioners asked me if I was going to apply. Subsequently, with much discernment and prayer and the backing of my wife, Claudia, saying “Why don’t you, you already missed one opportunity [meaning a vocation to the priesthood) you don’t want to miss this one…. Do it!” In getting to know several deacons throughout the Diocese, I have been inspired by their joy-filled commitment in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who are unique members of the married clergy with family and career responsibilities sharing together their journey of faith, of which we are all called.
Deacon Henry Joseph Reese
What aspect of the ministry are you most looking forward to?
On a daily basis the Catholic Church is the largest provider of humanitarian aid in both physical and spiritual needs throughout the world. The formation program for the diaconate has certainly opened my eyes to the various needs in the local community especially, in the homelessness and those affected by substance abuse in all forms. It is my prayer that my service to our brothers and sisters in need (whatever the ministry may be) is filled with great joy and humility, to be like Jesus “who came to serve and not to be served” (Mt. 20:28) and is the example I aim to follow.
What is/was your profession prior to ordination?
I am an Area Supervisor for Enbridge (Texas Eastern Natural Gas Transmission Corp.), Marietta, Pa., and have been employed there for 33 years and counting.
How has the formation program helped you grow spiritually?
I thought I knew how to pray – that was before formation. However, I have learned there are many forms of prayer, each with deep meaning, each prayer taking us into the depths of God’s love for us. Prayer is when we are humble and faithful, discovering the movements that stir in the heart and our ability to discern the question, “Lord what do you want me to do?” (CCC 2705-2706) The Church has taught me how to pray to “seek and find” (Mt. 7:7) God’s will for me and my family in everything I do.
Deacon Chad M. Reigel
Wife: Angela Reigel
Home Parish: St. Catherine of Siena in Quarryville
Parish Assignment: St. Catherine of Siena in Quarryville
What drew you to serve the Diocese as a deacon?
I was, and still am, very active in our church. I enjoy serving in all aspects, including on the altar. I had a desire to do even more and responded to the “call” I was receiving to the Diaconate.
What aspect of the ministry are you most looking forward to?
While preaching is the most “glamorous” of our three-fold ministry of word, liturgy and charity, I am very much looking forward to assisting our parish members in charity, by meeting them where they’re at and responding to their needs.
Deacon Chad M. Reigel
What is/was your profession prior to ordination?
I work in marketing at Bank of America.
How has the formation program helped you grow spiritually?
Obviously, my prayer life has increased tremendously. Also, through the graduate-level courses in the program, my knowledge has increased significantly. I would have to say the friendships that have been made with my fellow deacon candidates have created the most spiritual growth for me. This is the best group of men I’ve ever been associated with, and you can’t help but be inspired by how they live their lives.
Deacon Jorge L. Reyes
Wife: Nilda L. Reyes
Home Parish: Holy Spirit, Palmyra
Parish Assignment: Holy Spirit, Palmyra
What drew you to serve the Diocese as a Deacon?
God’s time is perfect! In 1989, I attended (while living in Puerto Rico) a Cursillo Retreat. I had a serious encounter with Jesus at the retreat. That retreat changed my life. It helped me to realize my responsibilities as a baptized member of Christ’s Church. As a consequence of that, I became more involved in the Church.
For years, I felt that God was calling me to learn more about His Church and to serve Him by serving others. One of my former pastors introduced me to the Liturgy of the Hours, and also motivated me to read the lives of the saints. The pastor implemented First Friday Adoration, and during the Adoration time I understood the beauty and richness of the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. I made it a habit to talk to Him, present Him my joys and my problems. In my prayers, I asked God to guide me on how to serve Him more and His Church in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Months later, during Mass, a deacon read a letter notifying that the Diocese was going to start a new permanent deacon class. At that moment, I felt my questions to God were answered.
Deacon Jorge L. Reyes
What aspect of the ministry are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to being a minister of charity because through such ministry, I will be able to serve our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ.
What is/was your profession prior to ordination?
I have been working for The Hershey Company for the last 42 years. I work for the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) department. My function is to ensure that all manufacturing sites comply with local and federal environmental and safety regulations.
How has the formation program helped you grow spiritually?
The formation program provided me with great tools to grow in a deeper understanding and appreciation of the following: the importance of frequent reception of two sacraments (Holy Communion and Reconciliation); the necessity of personal ongoing spiritual formation; the value of spiritual direction and annual retreats; the importance of meditation on the readings for daily Mass, recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and devotions to Mary and the saints.
