Our featured deacon this month is Deacon Maurice Barrett. Deacon Barrett was ordained to the permanent diaconate on May 24, 2018. He is currently serving as a deacon in Our Lady of Grace Pastorate, which includes St. James Parish, Chamberlain; St. Margaret Parish, Kimball; St. Peter Parish, White Lake; St. John Parish, Plankinton; and St. Mary Parish, Stickney
Where were you born and how many siblings do you have? I was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. I am the youngest of eight, and I have six sisters and one brother.
How did you get your call to the diaconate? I think it all began with an unsettled heart in great need to rest in something greater than myself and an ardent desire to serve God and his people. In 1994, after learning from my father that my cousin Jim Barrett entered his permanent diaconate aspirancy year for the Diocese of Fall River (Massachusetts), I wondered if the diaconate was what God was calling me to. After a couple of years of pondering and discussion with my wife, I was moved to write to the Chancery seeking information on any existing formation programs in the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Eventually, they responded with a letter apprising me that I was too young to enter into formation and advised me to pray about my call and seek spiritual direction. After some years of prayer, deliberation, contemplation and good direction, in 2012, I finally consulted my pastor, Father Guy Blair, SCJ, on the matter. Through his encouragement, I contacted the Vocations Office and began the application process. In the fall of 2014, I became a member of cohort 18, and on May 24, 2018, I was ordained.
What did you do before the diaconate? As a lay person, I served my parish of St. James as a Confirmation teacher, CCD teacher, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and a lector, and attended men’s groups sponsored by the parish.
Is there a particular part of Catholicism that really fascinates you? Everything revealed in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Any and all things that encompass the Deposit of Faith. There is so much to unpack. Aristotle said something along the lines of: “It would seem that the highest thing man could do is to have a never ending contemplation of the unmoved mover.”
Who was most influential in your life? Monsignor Michael Shershanovich, hands down the most influential person in my life. Also known as “Father Mike.” By his own example, he showed me how to cultivate a relationship with Christ, a love and appreciation for the Eucharist and a deep affection and tenderness for the Blessed Mother. Monsignor Mike thrice made the trip to South Dakota: once to marry my wife Michelle and me in 1993, a second to baptize my daughter Emily on the Feast of the Annunciation in 1995, and third to vest me at my ordination in 2018. Monsignor Mike is a model Christian, holy and humble priest and, as it says in the Book of Sirach, “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure.”
What’s your favorite part of being a deacon? The one-on-one encounters with people in pastoral ministry. The greatest blessing one can have is sharing Christ with others, whether it is during a home visit, giving a sacrament preparation class, teaching OCIA or being present for an individual or family during their most vulnerable moments.
What’s the most challenging thing? Seeing the needless heartaches of people who are indifferent to forging a relationship with Christ.
Who is your go-to saint? Why? The Blessed Mother seems to be the one I reach out to for help the most, but some others are St. Pio, St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Michael.
What do you do in your spare time? I like to spend my spare time with my wife and daughter first, a round of golf second.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I really like cats.
How can your parishioners and people of the diocese best help you be a great deacon? Please pray for me that I may respond well to the graces that God provides.
If you could have supper with anyone from history (besides Jesus), who would it be and why? Radio personality Paul Harvey. I always enjoyed listening to him during the noon hour lunch break on the jobsite when I was an apprentice electrician. He just seemed to be a person who could carry on a gripping conversation over an enjoyable meal.
