It’s no secret that a lot of deacons embark on ministry as a second career, many after retiring.

And now, it turns out some retirement communities (most notably in Florida) are becoming thriving havens for deacons:

Dana McCarthy lived a life of service for his country for 26 years. Now the retired Navy captain, who flew helicopters to rescue Apollo 13 astronauts after their splashdown in the ocean, is still devoted to service in his retirement years, finding fulfillment giving back to the community and church he calls home.

The Village of Belvedere resident is affectionately called “Deacon Dana” by parishioners at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wildwood, where he officiates daily and weekend Masses for a parish that is growing 25 percent a year, which is due to more Villagers moving into homes built on the south side of County Road 466 in Sumter County.

McCarthy also devotes many hours with his wife of 39 years, Diane, volunteering at Wildwood Soup Kitchen, an ecumenical ministry of 30 churches that feeds the hungry and homebound. He’s also president of the kitchen’s board of directors, as well as being involved in several other ministries.

“You can only play so much golf, and you can only play so much bocce ball,” said McCarthy, 62, flashing a warm smile.

He has found serving others to be rewarding, and he believes many other seniors feel the same way.

“Some think of retirement as “Wow! Now is the time for me!” McCarthy said. “I think it’s also a time where you can give back. I would say take at least one day a week where you do something for others, however that might be.”

The article goes on to say that Deacon McCarthy’s parish has six — six! — deacons. Check out the link for more.