FROM SINNER TO SERVANT
One Man's Journey to Becoming a Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church
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When it comes to a religious vocation, many people have very different ideas on what exactly "the call to serve" is. Some of us can refer to either the Old or New Testament where Almighty God Himself calls both men and women to serve him in a very unique and special way.
But "the call" itself is really just our freely given human response to the Divine God’s patient but persistent calling to us -- He is always asking us to serve Him. Contrary to popular belief, all of us have a calling or vocation -- a unique mission that God calls each one of us to fulfill during the course of our human lives.
If you read in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter six, you read from the evangelist St. Luke, how seven men were chosen, not to the ministry of preaching of the Word but rather the ministry of charity by being the servants to the people of God. The seven men were chosen by the Apostles first, by asking the assistance of the Holy Spirit and then had their selection affirmed with the actual laying on of the hands by the Apostles assembled there.
Then these men they called “deacons” who were then sent into the local community to attend to the needs of the sick, marginalized, orphans, and widows.
The reason for this book is simply this: in all of my research prior to responding to my own call, I greatly enjoyed reading the likes of the past saints as well as future saints. I like the idea of being able to respond through the example of others and how they lived their Catholic Christian faith. I love reading about those saints’ endurance in the struggles that they faced, how they respond to “the dark night of the soul” when they were truly seeking God’s face and God somehow was not responding in the manner they wanted but He was always there. Finally, I looked to reading about their final triumphs: how the saint’s spiritual lives were increased beyond what they ever expected, how their earthy ministries were blessed, and how they all grew in their faith all the days of their lives.
However, in all of my research prior to entering into diaconate formation, there was not a single book that was written specifically about the formation experience for permanent deacons. To some extent, I wished that a book like this had been available prior to me starting the process. So responding to this unique need, I hope that this book will, at least, provide any future reader an idea of what it is like to prepare for religious formation as a Roman Catholic diocesan deacon in
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About the Book
Albert Feliu in his early 30’s was a classic American story: a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, with a beautiful wife, Cindy and two small children – Christina and Michael. A cradle Catholic who was enthusiastic for his faith as a young boy and teenager growing up, Albert grew extremely lax in that same faith as he entered adulthood. Upon being honorably discharged from the US Air Force in 1989, and completing a graduate business degree in 1992, he worked at his new secular career with greater enthusiasm and fervor than he ever pursued his God.
“From Sinner to Servant” is Albert's personal story of Almighty God's redemption in his life from 1994 – 2006 and beyond. Aided by numerous people sent into Albert's life – his own personal and extended family, lay people, priests, deacons, and sometimes even by total strangers – he ultimately recognizes, embraces and then perseveres in responding to God's call to serve His people.
This book will detail the struggles and joys of being open to God’s plan in his life that culminated in a renewal of his vocation of marriage as well as his present vocation of charity and service by becoming a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. Selected topics include his personal accounts on the power of praying the Rosary, encountering the Eucharistic Lord through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the strength of perseverance in times of trial, development of personal charity, the final spiritual gifts of parents to their children, and dealing with the loss of loved ones.
Since ordination, Albert’s formal parish ministry assignments include being the head of the Baptism formation ministry, chaplain of the Men’s Club, Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation, Parish retreat master, the Knights of Columbus and occasional contributor of short topic articles.
For more information, please click on www.fromsinnertoservant.com
About the Author
Deacon Albert Feliu was ordained in the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church on February 4th, 2006 at the Cathedral of Christ the King for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
Born on August 9th, 1960 in
He is currently a Project Manager-Marketing with an international telecommunications company, working in
Previously, Albert worked in the Personal Insurance and Financial Services industries as a marketing manager and quality consultant as well as the Department of Defense as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force respectively.
Albert is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy in
His primary hobbies and interests include reading, teaching, writing, and being with close friends.
His is currently assigned to St Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church in
"From Sinner to Servant" will his first published book. For more information, please click on http://www.fromsinnertoservant.com/
He is actively working on his next book manuscript entitled “Reflections of a Catholic Deacon.” This book will be based on 12 chapters, reflecting on various Catholic Christian themes, such as receiving God’s forgiveness, being a gift to others and seeking God’s will in your life.