News
Deacons Bring Spiritual Nourishment to Saint Vincent de Paul Neighbors, Staff, and Volunteers
As the doors open each morning at the Saint Vincent de Paul Georgia’s Community Support Center in Chamblee, neighbors from across metro-Atlanta pick up groceries from the Client-Choice Food Pantry, meet with case workers to gain housing stability, and visit the only free community pharmacy in the state of Georgia. Each week, all who visit the center also encounter a group of four dedicated deacons:
- Deacon Bill Boyd of Mary Our Queen Catholic Church in Peachtree Corners
- Deacon Michael Martell of All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody
- Deacon James Martin of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Atlanta
- Deacon Tim Tye of St. Brigid Catholic Church in Johns Creek
They serve as spiritual guides for neighbors, staff, and volunteers alike.
“The four of us who do this, we’re very different people, very different backgrounds, very different personalities. And yet God calls us with our gifts to be here.”
-Deacon James Martin
Some began volunteering with Saint Vincent de Paul as children. Others served as Vincentians during their formation for the Permanent Diaconate, supported by the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. More recently, Deacon Bill Boyd met with Saint Vincent de Paul Georgia’s Executive Director, Mike Mies.
“He said, ‘You know, Bill, it’d be nice if you could help us with some spirituality and prayer services and interact with neighbors. And I said, ‘Okay!’ And so, what we’re doing today is trying to have a Deacon [at the center] each day.”
– Deacon Bill Boyd
Before a busy day begins, staff and volunteers are led in prayer by a deacon. They provide a moment of quiet reflection and inspiration before facing a variety of needs and challenges. As neighbors visit the center, each deacon mixes among the crowd to listen, connect, and serve.
Deacon Bill will give a child their very first stuffed animal and play with them while their mother completes paperwork. Deacon Michael will be approached by someone who saw his collar and wants to work through past guilt and regrets. Deacon James will shake the hand of a man visiting the center for the first time, making him feel more at ease during a difficult time. Deacon Tim will help replace a stolen backpack, find a much-needed coat, and look for a Bible to give to a visiting neighbor.
They may see up to 150 neighbors every day. They encounter people of all ages and backgrounds, from veterans to families with young children to couples in their 70s and 80s. Whomever they encounter, all four deacons agree that taking the time to listen has a profound impact.
“They’ve got some great stories to tell. And some tragic stories to tell. But you know when somebody wants to share, it’s good to just be there and be an ear and just to be able to listen.”
-Deacon Tim Tye
“I sat with [a Vietnam veteran] for about 5 or 6 minutes, and he told me about his service and his life. And at the end of it, he kind of patted my leg and he goes, ‘Thank you for listening to me, because nobody ever listens to me.’“
-Deacon James Martin
They also agree the center would benefit from a bilingual deacon. They estimate 50% of the neighbors they meet speak Spanish, and having a bilingual deacon would help bridge communication. Additionally, the Saint Vincent de Paul Georgia’s Community Support Center contains innovative teaching kitchens and classrooms. Whether teaching cooking basics, financial readiness, or other life skills, those interested in offering a class would be welcome.
Along with their continued presence at neighbor dinners and Lenten fish fries, Deacon Bill plans to incorporate spiritual retreats from the Ignatian Spirituality Project. They also hope to deepen their support for staff. Having offered Ash Wednesday services, they want to provide regular spiritual opportunities for those working at the center, especially if a fifth deacon can join them. Many staff have shared the comfort they feel knowing the deacons are there. When an unfortunate shooting occurred outside the center, Deacon Michael was there the following week.
“I talked with several people on the staff who were having a hard time with it…It wasn’t the easiest day, but I’m glad I was there…We’ve heard throughout our formation that being a deacon is a ministry of presence, being there for people.”
-Deacon Michael Martell
For each deacon, their work as a spiritual guide at Saint Vincent de Paul Georgia is an essential aspect of the Permanent Diaconate. While some parishioners may only associate deacons with what they see at the altar each Sunday, the work of these four men is a reminder that the outreach of deacons goes beyond even their own parishes. With St. Stephen and the first seven men ordained in the Acts of the Apostles as their guides, the Permanent Diaconate is all about actively serving the community at large.
“That’s one of the benefits I think the Church has by having permanent deacons. I can come [to the center] and I can talk to people about God, but I can also talk to them about being a parent or having to work. It’s really important to be present in the community and at an organization like Saint Vincent de Paul. We’re touching people from all over the community, all different faiths, all different backgrounds.”
-Deacon James Martin
Working as spiritual guides is one of many ways these men carry out their call to service. They hope their example inspires others to discover which of the 74 Saint Vincent de Paul conferences is closest to them. They also hope more men consider how they can use their unique gifts and life experiences to serve the Church as deacons.
“Our Archbishop reminds us we are called to be out with our neighbors…And, at the end of the day, we are the ones that really receive the benefit because we see Christ. We see Christ in our neighbors.”
– Deacon Bill Boyd
Learn more about the Permanent Diaconate.
Support the formation and service of deacons by donating to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.
Watch and discover the impact of Saint Vincent de Paul Georgia:
SVdP – Who We Are & Who We Help