18 Gulf Pine Catholic • July 11, 2025 Permanent Deacon Bios From page 17 He leads the Fathers of St. Joseph ministry, serves as a Lector and Eucharistic minister, and coaches soccer -- something he once believed to be his greatest passion. However, about six years ago, Mike began to feel a spiritual tug on his heart, urging him toward something deeper. Encouraged by his pastor, Fr. Lalo, he attended an informational meeting about the permanent diaconate and experienced a profound sense of peace and joy. With the full support and prayers of his wife -- who even began veiling in solidarity with his discernment -- Mike embarked on the journey of diaconal formation. Throughout his formation, he found immense joy in deepening his knowledge of the Catholic faith and growing in love for the Church and its teachings. He describes himself today with one word: joyful. The biggest surprise along his path has been realizing just how present Jesus is in every part of life -- an awakening that has reshaped his spiritual journey. Mike has been moved by the outpouring of love and support from friends, coworkers, and parishioners. He looks forward to expanding his service to the Church through preaching, administering sacraments, and offering spiritual guidance to others. In his free time, he enjoys golf, coaching, spending time with his family, and helping the elderly with small projects in the community. Known for his sense of humor and generous heart, Mike finds joy in making others laugh and believes firmly that the true blessings in life come through giving. His advice for those discerning a call to the diaconate? “Get on the bus.” Seek information, pray in silence, and let God shape your path. Deacon Robert A. Maynard, 55, serves as a teacher of Anatomy and Physiology at Pearl RiverCommunity College in Poplarville. A devoted parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas in Hattiesburg, his journey to the permanent diaconate began at Most Holy Trinity Parish in DeLisle, where he returned in late 2019 to help care for his aging parents. It was during this time of service -- particularly throughout the pandemic -- that Robert’s quiet acts of devotion, including bringing the Eucharist to his parents and assisting at Mass, led Father Paddy Mockler to ask him if he had ever considered becoming a deacon. Though initially hesitant, Robert attended an information session and quickly realized that the life of a deacon closely mirrored the selfless service he was already living. Encouraged by his father and guided by prayer, he discerned his calling with clarity and peace. Throughout his formation, Robert came to understand the depth and necessity of daily prayer, describing his earlier spiritual life as “practically nonexistent” in comparison. He deeply appreciated the theological and scriptural studies, which complemented his scientific mind and expanded his love for learning. Now, he feels “overjoyed” as he steps into this next chapter of ministry. A Eucharistic Minister and OCIA instructor, Robert is particularly excited about preaching, noting that friends often say he offers a humorous and insightful perspective. Though single -- somewhat unique among permanent deacons -- he feels spiritually supported by the brotherhood of fellow deacons and their wives, who have embraced him in prayer and fellowship. Outside of ministry and teaching, Robert enjoys movies, doting on his five nieces and nephews, and spending time with the family cat he inherited. Through every step of his journey, Robert embodies his favorite advice to those discerning a vocation: “Don’t let the world speak louder than the Lord.” Deacon P.J. Necaise, a devoted husband to Erika and father of three, serves as a permanent deacon at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church. A financial analyst by profession, Deacon P.J. brings a thoughtful, prayerful approach to his ministry as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and Lector. Though he didn’t initially feel a clear call to the diaconate, his journey began with a persistent desire to serve that never went away. Encouraged by his spiritual director and supported by his wife, he eventually “got on the bus” of formation -- a process he describes as rich with knowledge, discernment, and deepened faith. Throughout, he’s grown in awe of the beauty and depth of the Catholic Church and grateful for the grace to surrender to God’s will. His path has surprised him at times -- especially the challenge of discerning without certainty -- but it has also brought him peace, trust, and joy. Now, ordained, he looks forward to serving the Church wherever he is needed, especially at the altar and in the sacramental life of the parish. Outside of ministry and work, Deacon P.J. enjoys spending time outdoors -- gardening, hiking, and camping. And fun fact: born on Leap Day, he jokes that he may have been one of the youngest ever ordained to the permanent diaconate -- at just 11 years old! His one-word reflection on this journey? Yirah -- a Hebrew word expressing awe, reverence, and holy fear. Deacon William “Bill” Oster is a devoted husband, father of five, and proud grandfather. At 63 years old, Bill balances his career as an engineer with active service at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Ocean Springs. Since his call to the permanent diaconate around 2017, he embraced many ministries including acolyte, youth, catechist, OCIC, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Eucharist (EOME), lector, and evangelization and retreat teams. Supported wholeheartedly by his wife Jeanette, Bill values the high-quality formation offered by his diocese and approaches his ministry with a spirit of joy and preparation. He is passionate about bringing Christ to others, especially during these challenging times, and encourages those discerning the diaconate to seek guidance, pray deeply, and discuss openly with their spouses. Outside of ministry, Bill enjoys being a devoted “Daddy,” visiting grandchildren, and embracing life’s surprises -- especially how God’s grace has led him to this unexpected but fulfilling vocation. Deacon Charles David Walden, 67, of Kiln, is a devoted member of St. Clare Catholic Church in Waveland. Married to his wife Linda for 15 years, they share a large and loving family with nine children, 22 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. After a distinguished 30-year career with the Department of Defense and service in the Air Force Reserve, Charles found his true calling in faith later in life. His spiritual journey began profoundly at a Cursillo retreat in 2016, which transformed his life and led him to embrace the Catholic faith fully. The Diocese of Biloxi’s programs, including “New Wine,” nurtured his growth, inspiring him to serve as a missionary in Haiti, Ecuador, and soon Ghana, Africa. A pilgrimage to the Holy Land further deepened his faith and commitment. Throughout his diaconate journey, Charles credits his wife Linda as his greatest supporter. He remains humble and dedicated to serving others with the love and compassion exemplified by Christ. Maynard Necaise Oster Walden Bishop Kihneman’s homilies are available in video and audio form on the Diocese of Biloxi’s website. To access these homilies, visit www.biloxidiocese.org.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzEwNTM=