Meet our future deacons

John Cord

Age: 53
Wife: Gwen
Home Parish: St. Bartholomew Parish, Columbus
Occupation: Engineer, Spray Equipment and Service Center, Inc.
 

Who are the important role models in your life of faith?

My mother June Cord, who is 95 and still volunteers several days a week; my wife, Gwen; my sister, Jane Crady; Fathers Clement Davis, Daniel Staublin, Jeffrey Godecker and Martin Peter; Deacons William Jones, Thomas Hill, Steven House, Michael East, Kerry Blandford and Patrick Bower; Becky Blandford and Lynn Bower.
 

What are your favorite Scripture verses, saints, prayers and devotions?

My favorite Scripture verse is 1 John 3:16-18. I also pray with daily Mass readings and readings from the Office of Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours.
 

Deacons often minister to others in the workplace. How have you experienced that?

I have been blessed that many of my co-workers are Christian. We often pray together and discuss world problems from a Christian viewpoint. I have several who e-mail or call me asking me to pray for them or a loved one. As a part of my job, I get to travel to many places around the world. It is always interesting to see the reactions and hear the conversations of the people when they see these on my card. I have had many conversations with underground Christians in China, Hindus, Buddhist and Muslims and other religions in these encounters.
 

Why do you feel that God is calling you to become a deacon?

I am not sure I fully understand the “why” of my calling. But I do feel as if my life has been a preparation for this time. As I enter more fully into outreach ministries to the marginalized, I can see how my previous experiences have helped me to grasp more fully the needs of those who have struggled in their lives.
 

How will being ordained a deacon have an impact on your life and family?

For the past few years, the time required for deacon formation and service has placed a bit of a burden on my wife and family. I am hoping that after I retire I will have more time, and can better organize our schedules around ministry needs. †