Meet our future deacons

Tim Elder

Name: Tim Elder
Age: 62
Wife: Shari
Home Parish: St. Joseph Parish in Corydon
Occupation: U.S. Army Contracting Officer
 

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

I graduated high school the same year St. Pope John Paul II became pope. I was always fascinated by his resolve to become a priest despite the presence of the Nazis in that part of the world. I joined the Air Force soon after graduation and was in Germany both before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall. St. Pope John Paul II’s considerable moral authority laid an important framework for the eventual fall of the wall and reuniting East and West Germany. His leadership promoted human rights and peace to the entire world.
 

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

My favorite Scripture is “The Judgment of the Nations” in the Gospel of Matthew, when “the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me’ ” (Mt 25:37-40).

My favorite saints are St. Francis of Assisi and St. Benedict. I grew up with St. Francis, and a lot of my faith was influenced by his teachings. I am an oblate at Saint Meinrad, and I owe my vocation to them. I learned how to pray and understand Scripture there.

My favorite prayer is the rosary. I pray it daily, and the first Saturday devotion is my favorite devotion.
 

Deacons often minister, formally or informally, to others in the workplace. How have you experienced that already and what do you anticipate doing in the future?

I am retiring soon. But in my current position, I sometimes participate in small prayer groups. I talk with co-workers making life decisions.
 

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

I have been praying the rosary daily for years. According to tradition, there are 15 promises associated with praying it, the first one being, “Those who faithfully serve me by the recitation of the rosary shall receive signal graces.” I have received numerous graces, and I never realized it until my pastor pointed out all the signals I have received for years to becoming a deacon.
 

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

My ordination coincides with my retirement. I’m excited about having more time with my family and more time to work in my ministries.
 

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

I have been a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul since 2015. As a deacon, I want to continue its mission dedicated to feeding, clothing, housing and healing individuals and families in our community who have nowhere else to turn for help. †