June 9, 2017

Meet our future deacons

Nathan Schallert

Nathan SchallertAge: 65
Wife: Kathryn
Home Parish: SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, Indianapolis
Occupation: Retired from working in information technology for Eli Lilly and Onan Corporation
 

Who are the important role models in your life of faith?

My role models in faith include my two great uncles who were priests, Father Peter Jentges of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Father Charles Schumacher of the Diocese of LaCrosse, Wis.; my grandmother Mary Schumacher; Dean Tierney, an uncle; and Father Robert Dobihal of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. I’ve also been influenced by the late Father Noah Casey, Benedictine Sister Cathy Ann Lepore, and Paul and Clara Kachinski.
 

What are your favorite Scripture verses, saints, prayers and devotions?

Among my favorite parts of the Bible are the Beatitudes in the Gospel of St. Matthew, the penitential psalms (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143) and the letters of St. Paul. My favorite saints include St. Paul, St. Clare, St. Anthony of Padua, St. John XXIII and St. Augustine and all the early Church fathers. The Lord’s Prayer, the rosary and eucharistic adoration are among my favorite prayers and devotions.
 

Why do you feel that God is calling you to become a deacon?

My call to the diaconate probably started long before I was paying attention. There have been a number of “stepping stones” on this incredible journey for me. Each step came quicker than the previous one and with higher and higher expectations.
 

How do you hope to serve through your life and ministry as a deacon?

I enjoy working with people in my ministry, especially in small groups. However, these past five years have stretched me in directions I never expected. I am open to new and challenging experiences. †

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