Real conversations with permanent deacons about the joys, struggles, and Christ-centered journey of diaconal ministry. Each episode, host Deacon Michael sits down with a fellow deacon to explore the moments that shape this unique vocation — from the call to ordination, to navigating family life and parish ministry, to the quiet sacrifices no one sees. Whether you're a deacon feeling the weight of ministry alone, discerning the diaconate, or simply curious about what this calling looks like from the inside, you'll find honest stories and a reminder: you're not alone in this calling. New episodes every other week.
Deacon Life
Claim This Podcastby Deacon Michael Halbrook
5 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Real conversations with permanent deacons about the joys, struggles, and Christ-centered journey of diaconal ministry. Each episode, host Deacon Michael sits down with a fellow deacon to explore the moments that shape this unique vocation — from the call to ordination, to navigating family life and parish ministry, to the quiet sacrifices no one sees. Whether you're a deacon feeling the weight of ministry alone, discerning the diaconate, or simply curious about what this calling looks like from the inside, you'll find honest stories and a reminder: you're not alone in this calling. New episodes every other week.
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Publishing Since
1/14/2026
1 verified contact email on file for Deacon Life
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Recent Episodes
March 18, 2026
Still Learning: Deacon Rick Wagner | Deacon Life Podcast Episode #5
<p>"You're not worthy." That's what a priest of 55 years told Deacon Rick Wagner months before ordination. "And I'm not either. It's not about being worthy - it's about being called."</p><p>Deacon Rick Wagner (Archdiocese of Indianapolis, ordained 2012) has spent 40+ years in Catholic education and now serves as president of a Catholic high school while ministering at the same parish where he was baptized 67 years ago. In this conversation, he shares:</p><p>- How he discovered the diaconate while running a retreat house<br>- His "Tell Your Story" retreat ministry reaching 15+ dioceses<br>- Why he uses social media as a pulpit during morning prayer<br>- Walking with his wife through cancer and deepening shared prayer<br>- What it means to accompany the dying through their fears</p><p>Plus: why St. Joseph is his favorite saint, and the moment his spiritual director's blunt honesty set him free.</p><p>-<br>Join the Deacon Life community: https://community.deaconlife.com<br>Subscribe to daily reflections: https://deaconlife.com</p>
February 25, 2026
Ministry on Wheels: Deacon Patrick O'Toole | Deacon Life Podcast Episode #4
<p>In Episode 4 of the Deacon Life Podcast, Deacon Michael Halbrook sits down with Deacon Patrick O'Toole for a remarkable conversation about faith, family, and following God's unpredictable path.</p><p>Patrick's journey includes divorce at 35, a conversion experience sparked by a Baptist radio preacher, remarriage and 10 children, and decades working for the Church in marriage ministry, retreat leadership, and missions. But the most surprising chapter? When his wife became a travel nurse, they bought a bus and took their family across America—serving in parishes from Illinois to Florida to Washington State and everywhere in between.</p><p><br>Along the way, Patrick discovered the beauty of the universal Church expressed in countless parishes, raised children who have no fear of change, and learned that close quarters create deep family bonds. His kids now gather for "dad lore" nights, asking to hear more of his story.</p><p>Patrick speaks honestly about his struggle with workaholism, the importance of his wife keeping him grounded, and why 3 AM adoration is his favorite hour. His advice for men considering the diaconate: "If you think God might be calling you, he is. Jump in."</p><p><br>Key topics: Divorce and conversion, blended family, travel nursing ministry, living on a bus, parish diversity, Christ the King, adoration, homebound ministry, obedience to the bishop</p>
February 11, 2026
Deacon Adam Cox: From Black Magic to the Altar | Deacon Life Podcast #3
<p>In Episode 3 of the Deacon Life Podcast, Deacon Michael Halbrook sits down with his classmate and friend Deacon Adam Cox for a raw, honest conversation about conversion, spiritual warfare, and redemption.</p><p>Adam grew up in a home where his mother practiced black magic, kept the Satanic Bible, and actively hated the Catholic Church. There was no Christian faith, no structure—just survival through instability.</p><p><br>Through a guitar teacher's invitation to a Baptist church, Adam found Christ at 25. But it was a series of vivid dreams—including one where his deceased mother appeared to affirm his path—that led him to the Catholic Church and eventually to the diaconate.</p><p><br>Now ordained alongside Michael, Adam speaks openly about the reality of spiritual attack ("The devil didn't bother me when I was living in debauchery—but now he's on me like you wouldn't believe"), his journey to 604 days sober, and leading men's ministry through the Knights of Columbus CORE program.</p><p>This episode is a testament to the transforming power of grace—that no background is too dark for God to redeem.</p><p>Key topics: Conversion story, spiritual warfare, dreams and discernment, alcoholism recovery, men's ministry, CORE Knights of Columbus, nursing home ministry, St. John Paul II</p>
5 total episodes available
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This podcast updates daily.
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