We sat down with three Maryland deacons—and one candidate in the Deacon Formation Program—to find out what brings them joy in their ministry, what they’ve learned about themselves, and where they see the Spirit at work in meeting the needs of a wounded world.
The Venerable Denise Schiavone serves as Archdeacon and at St. Peter’s in Ellicott City.
Q: What excites you most about your role as Archdeacon?
DS: The chance to help grow the diaconate—and ministry in the world generally—by inspiring others to discern their gifts and by making formation more accessible for people from all walks of life.
Q: What’s something unexpected you’ve discovered in your call?
DS: The joy I get from bearing prophetic witness from the pulpit. As someone with a preference for introversion, I don’t love being front and center. But the pulpit is one place I see and feel the Spirit really working.
Brother Christian Ventura, from Holy Apostles and St. Stephens, is a candidate for holy orders in the diaconate.
Q: How have you most powerfully experienced your sense of call?
CV: I’ve been blessed to experience how relational the Holy Spirit is and how God works through sacred dialogue between neighbors.
Q: What’s something unanticipated you’ve learned through formation?
CV: How often God calls us to be still and rest in Jesus.
The Rev. Chip Tucker serves at All Saints’, Sunderland and St. James’, Lothian.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your ministry?
CT: Preaching the Good News. I learn a lot from delving into scripture and finding a message for my congregations.
Q: How have you been surprised in your call as a deacon?
CT: If you’d told me 10 years ago that I’d be wearing a collar, I’d have said “Not me!” I’m learning to trust in God to lead and provide.
The Rev. Carolyn Armstrong serves at St. James’, Lafeyette Square.
Q: What ministry are you most excited about?
CA: Our food pantry. America has enough resources that no one should be hungry. I’ve also become more aware of what it takes for someone to put their pride aside to seek assistance.
Q: What unexpected things have you learned about yourself through your call?
CA: The level of patience I have in the face of foolishness or drama. I’m a lot more willing to listen for the bottom line.
