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Aaron Smith

Date of Ordination:May 2, 2015
Current Assignment:Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, Gibbsboro.

Being one of the younger deacons in the Diocese, I grew up seeing deacons at Mass every week and knew deacons who were the married fathers of other children attending Catholic school with me. Ever since grade school, I always felt a calling to serve at Mass and to serve the community outside of Mass. I was an Altar Server, which helped deepen that sense of service. I did not realize until I started Deacon Formation that the Permanent Diaconate wasn’t restored until the 1960’s. Having been born in the late 1970’s, I only knew the Mass where Deacons were routinely part of it. During my years at Holy Cross High School in Delran, I often found myself attending morning Mass before class; I remember thinking that I wasn’t sure why, but it just seemed right to be there on those frequent mornings.

While in college, I met my wife and we talked then about me becoming a Deacon some day. With the full support of my wife and with a full-time job in Law Enforcement, I began Formation at age 29 and was Ordained by Bishop Sullivan when I was 36 years-old. Well, now years after starting Formation and two sons later, I can look back and see where God was guiding me to serve as a Husband, Father, Law Enforcement Officer all while serving as his Deacon. I pray that those seeking God’s will for their own lives will find the same joy and peace. May God be praised!