Deacon Anthony Weaver Jr.
Wife: Christina Weaver
Home Parish: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lancaster
Parish Assignment: Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Lancaster
What drew you to serve the Diocese as a Deacon?
In my teenage years, I thought that perhaps I was being called to the priesthood. After considerable time discerning, I came to understand that I was not being called to the priesthood but was possibly being called to the diaconate. It was not until we moved to this Diocese about 10 years ago that I felt like we, as a family, were in a place to pursue this calling.
What aspect of the ministry are you most looking forward to?
I don’t have any aspect of ministry that I am looking forward to in particular. I’m just excited to begin ministry as a deacon in whatever form(s) that takes, especially after our initial ordination date (May 2020) was delayed to September.
Deacon Anthony Weaver Jr.
What is your profession?
I currently work in the IT department and as an instructor of Computer Science at Franklin and Marshall College.
How has the formation program helped you grow spiritually?
Spiritual formation was a very important, multi-faceted part of this formation process. I now have a Spiritual Director, with whom I meet on a fairly regular basis. This has been very helpful in discerning my call and helping me to grow spiritually.
I was also introduced to the Liturgy of the Hours (morning and evening prayer), which I pray on a daily basis, and other traditional prayer forms (e.g., Lectio Divina). These have helped support my personal prayer life and my ministry. Finally, I enjoy spiritual reading, especially books by and about the saints.
Deacon Robert Wislock
Wife: Kathleen Mae Wislock
Home Parish: Our Lady of Hope Parish, Coal Township
Parish Assignment: Our Lady of Hope Parish in Coal Township, St. Patrick Parish in Trevorton and Mother Cabrini Parish in Shamokin
What drew you to serve the Diocese as a Deacon?
Since my childhood, my relationship with Jesus Christ and serving others in Church ministries has been an essential part of my life. Through ongoing discussions with my family and pastor, prayer and participation in the formation process, I have listened and experienced a personal and persistent call in my heart from the Lord to this ministry. This listening with “the ear of the heart” to the Lord’s invitation in seeking to do His will is proclaiming His word, assisting in the liturgy and serving others in Christ’s love and compassion.
Deacon Robert Wislock
What aspect of the ministry are you most looking forward to?
Ministry is a rich tapestry. The Ministries of the Word and Liturgy are the divine sources of nourishment as I assist my pastor in the community’s worship of the Lord and in articulating and serving the people in their spiritual and temporal needs. As a deacon, it is essential to be humbly configured to Christ, the Servant, to serve in the Ministry of Charity in my parish and the world. With the Holy Spirit’s help, it is bringing Christ’s love and the Gospel into the everyday life situations of people and inspiring the parish community members’ assistance in these pastoral needs.
What was your profession prior to ordination?
My profession prior to ordination was serving as a manager of several departments at a Pennsylvania university to support students with disabilities and to administer the university’s social equity initiative. My university experiences also involved teaching various undergraduate and graduate courses in the colleges of business and education as well as in the university scholars’ program.
How has the formation program helped you grow spiritually?
The formation program, which consists of spiritual, pastoral, human and intellectual dimensions, continues to provide a living foundation in my faith journey as I strive to humbly live a life that models Jesus Christ as Servant. The liturgies, prayer, retreats, and the mentor/spiritual advisor meetings support and transform us through the help of the Holy Spirit to more fully live Jesus’ and His Holy Church’s teachings. This spiritual growth focuses on loving Our Lord and seeing His presence in others by serving our sisters and brothers in their varied needs. It is a lifelong spiritual relationship and journey with Our Lord.
