Philip GrisezPHILIP GRISEZ, 56, was inspired to pursue the diaconate after friends from Bible studies and the retreat ministry Cursillo suggested he consider it. He put it off for a time — “with a church merger and parent illnesses, life was too busy to think about it,” he said. But, a few years later, he enrolled in the Catechetical Institute and felt drawn to the diaconate. “Throughout diaconate formation, I continually experienced a clear sense of encouragement during prayer. Plus, the excitement and affirmation from many people were both of great help in discerning this call,” said Grisez, a software developer for Rural Community Insurance Services in Anoka. He noted that the most challenging part of his formation has been “my own doubts and fears and limitations.” “I can easily lose hope when I focus on myself. But it is not me, but Christ who dwells in me. When I focus on Christ, there is a sense of peace and joy.” A parishioner of Our Lady of Grace in Edina, he has made many mission trips to his parish’s sister parish in Honduras, and he considers that welcoming community a model for his anticipated ministry. “I experienced the love of Christ that burns bright in their hearts and have always been inspired by their charism of service, he said. “The way they joyfully serve their parish and neighboring community continues to be a great role model for me.” The greatest need in the local Church, he said, “is to continue facilitating a loving and merciful encounter with Jesus Christ through his word, his Church and his sacraments.” “I desire to be an example to others as a man of prayer, a man of God’s word, and a humble and simple servant, through which I hope to lead others to friendship with Jesus Christ,” he said. Never married, the St. Louis Park resident has sponsored three girls at the Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos Home for Children in Honduras. “In my heart, they are my daughters,” he said. For other men considering the diaconate, he offers simple advice: “Trust the Holy Spirit, and trust the process.”