Meet our future deacons

Emilio Ferrer-Soto

• Age: 55
• Spouse: Maria F. Torres Gonzalez
• Home Parish: St. Patrick Parish in Indianapolis
• Occupation: Service Representative, Social Security Administration

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

The most important role models in my life of faith are my parents. My dad, who passed away several years ago, was an active Catholic, and my mother is an active Catholic and is still involved in many ministries in the Church. In addition, I will say that I have been blessed by growing up in a family that taught me deep Catholic principles. My grandparents played a big role in passing down to the new generation traditions of their Hispanic culture, customs and, most importantly, their Catholic faith.

What are your favorite Scripture verses, prayers and devotions?

My favorite Scripture passage is Mt 6: 9-13 (“The Lord’s Prayer”) and my favorite prayers are the Our Father and Hail Mary. I have a devotion to St. Francis of Assisi, the Virgin Mary and St. Patrick. I feel like St. Patrick is my guardian angel and protector in my diaconal path.

How will being ordained a deacon have an impact on your life and family?

I think that being ordained a deacon will affect my life, family and marriage in a very positive way. Together with my family, I have matured throughout the formation program by understanding more deeply the real meaning of the sacrament of marriage, the importance of attending and participating in the Eucharist, and, most importantly, getting involved in the community of faith, supporting it and helping the Church as a whole.

Deacons often minister to others in the workplace. How have you experienced that, and how do you anticipate doing in the future?

I work as a service representative for the Social Security Administration. My job is to be in contact with the public. I have a daily opportunity to deal with people of different kinds of social and cultural levels and religious backgrounds. I am the office Spanish-speaking point of contact for all Hispanics coming for services or assistance. I thank God every day for this wonderful opportunity as I get to deal with Hispanics, especially those in dire need. From my work, I have been able to direct many Hispanics, as well as other people, to seek help at St. Patrick Parish and other agencies within the state government. Once ordained, my anticipation is to keep doing the same and getting better at it. †

 

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