I stumbled on this inspiring story of a deacon in Florida Catholic, which focuses on his ministry as part of the diocese’s annual fundraising appeal:

Now-Deacon Walt Skinner served his church as a youth minister for many years, but that wasn’t enough.

“I always felt there was something more God was calling me to do,” Deacon Skinner said.

He enrolled in a program to become a commissioned lay minister. But that still wasn’t enough.

After studying, praying and discerning for eight years, he realized his true calling and was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Orlando. Deacons proclaim the word of God, serve local churches and are ministers of charity.

Our Catholic Appeal is the bishop’s annual appeal for the people, the ministries and the future to support the work of the Diocese of Orlando.

His charity includes sharing the love of God with people usually shunned and rejected at a homeless shelter for men. He believes Jesus would do the same.

“Jesus ministered to lepers and sinners of society and preached the good news of forgiveness. These men are the modern-day lepers,” said Deacon Skinner, who is a husband and father with a separate full-time career.

He also serves at Annunciation Parish in Altamonte Springs, assisting with the celebration of Mass, baptizing children and preparing couples for marriage.

When he wonders whether he is worthy of this calling, Deacon Skinner remembers, “God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.”

Our Catholic Appeal funds the Diocese of Orlando Office of the Permanent Diaconate. Its mission is to oversee the permanent diaconate program helping men to discern and respond to their calling to serve God.