Deacon Life

About Deacon Life

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.

Publisher

Deacon Michael Halbrook

Category

religion & spirituality · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Jan 2026

Latest episode

18 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

5 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Mar 2026

   Still Learning: Deacon Rick Wagner | Deacon Life Podcast Episode #5

   "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." 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: - How he discovered the diaconate while running a retreat house - His "Tell Your Story" retreat ministry reaching 15+ dioceses - Why he uses social media as a pulpit during morning prayer - Walking with his wife through cancer and deepening shared prayer - What it means to accompany the dying through their fears Plus: why St. Joseph is his favorite saint, and the moment his spiritual director's blunt honesty set him free. - Join the Deacon Life community: https://community.deaconlife.com Subscribe to daily reflections: https://deaconlife.com

2. 

   25 Feb 2026

   Ministry on Wheels: Deacon Patrick O'Toole | Deacon Life Podcast Episode #4

   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. 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. 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. 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." 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

3. 

   11 Feb 2026

   Deacon Adam Cox: From Black Magic to the Altar | Deacon Life Podcast #3

   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. 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. 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. 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. This episode is a testament to the transforming power of grace—that no background is too dark for God to redeem. 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

4. 

   28 Jan 2026

   God Draws Straight with Crooked Lines: Deacon Lekë Brisku | Deacon Life Podcast #2

   In Episode 2 of the Deacon Life Podcast, I sit down with Deacon Lekë Brisku of the Archdiocese of Chicago to hear his powerful story of falling away from the faith—and finding his way back through God's mercy. Deacon Lekë shares his journey as a first-generation Albanian-American, growing up in a traditionally Catholic family while navigating life in Chicago. He opens up about owning a bar for 17 years, falling into dark places, and the moment he realized he couldn't walk through life without the Lord. What we discuss: Growing up Albanian-Catholic in Chicago and finding community in the Croatian parish Falling away from the faith and finding himself in unexpected places The moment God's mercy brought him back to the Church Seeds of vocation planted at 24 that took years to bloom Seeking out adoration chapels during formation and asking God, "Are you sure you want me?" The profound moment of lying prostrate at ordination Why listening is the most important part of ministry Navigating parish unification and learning patience in correction His passion for evangelization and Alpha ministry Timestamps: 0:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M) - Introduction & Opening Prayer 2:21 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=141s) - Growing up Albanian-Catholic in Chicago 6:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=364s) - Falling away from the faith 9:30 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=570s) - The call to the diaconate 15:34 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=934s) - Adoration and discernment during formation 18:42 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=1122s) - Most striking memory from ordination 21:54 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=1314s) - Surprises in ministry 28:49 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=1729s) - Balancing prayer, family, work, and ministry 36:32 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=2192s) - Frustrations in parish ministry 41:36 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=2496s) - Advice for deacons and those discerning 44:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=2697s) - Speed round: Favorite saint, book, and ministry focus 47:06 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHVz0Wl23M&t=2826s) - Closing prayer Whether you're a deacon, in formation, or discerning this call, Lekë's honest reflection on God's patience with crooked lines will resonate deeply. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes featuring deacons sharing their stories. Connect with Deacon Life: Website: https://deaconlife.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbng4NFRvdVJjdWJjNkgwZlFSZnlHZy1BR3had3xBQ3Jtc0trMFd3aFlBS3F1RWxjWDJmWlVNUzV4bTdrZV9od2Z0OVFVcWxXWVlCb1ZjMXlWLTFVSEoxem5BdTkyN0lQM1NCTWdFaUdpV0p6SkdXdld4TWF1R2V4YlN3b1RoNkoydTI5WjBtSGFrdlJ6SktHWV9jQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fdeaconlife.com%2F&v=0eHVz0Wl23M) Community: https://community.deaconlife.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGNKS3FvWmsyTjhEeVFlNnh0eE9UaDA2ekoyZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsdTRSX2p2aTFWWXBjQWxjUWt6OHRMYll6TzlKWlFJMHdWNGppUW4xcG9aZ0Z0UmYxNk5mVkw5LXlqS0d1bW41RkcybUVRRFhDc250SG1ycDk1MHUySXE3ZzRRQTdvODRsemFJa2tQSmNLUU01dldaQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.deaconlife.com%2F&v=0eHVz0Wl23M) #CatholicDeacon (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/catholicdeacon) #DeaconLife (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/deaconlife) #CatholicPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/catholicpodcast) #Vocation (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vocation) #Evangelization (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/evangelization) #AlphaCatholic (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/alphacatholic) #ChicagoArchdiocese (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/chicagoarchdiocese) #PermanentDeacon (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/permanentdeacon) #CatholicFaith (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/catholicfaith) #GodsMercy (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/godsmercy)

5. 

   14 Jan 2026

   From Steubenville to the Altar: Deacon Alec Campbell's Story | Deacon Life Podcast #1

   Welcome to the very first episode of the Deacon Life Podcast! In this inaugural episode, I sit down with Deacon Alec Campbell to hear his remarkable journey from a young man in central Louisiana to ordained diaconate ministry. Deacon Alec shares about his formative Steubenville Youth Conference experience, his year as a NET missionary in Canada, and the winding path that led him from considering priesthood to embracing his vocation as a permanent deacon. What we discuss: Growing up Catholic in Louisiana and the influence of his devout grandmother The pivotal eighth-grade Steubenville conference that changed everything Life as a NET missionary and learning to be "uncomfortable" Discerning between priesthood and the diaconate Navigating family life, full-time work, and ministry His deep passion for liturgy and helping others fall in love with the Mass Why every deacon's story matters Whether you're a deacon, in discernment, or simply curious about diaconate ministry, this conversation offers an authentic look at what it means to be called to serve as a deacon in the Catholic Church. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring deacons sharing their stories, struggles, and insights. Connect with Deacon Life: Website: DeaconLife.com Email: deaconmichael@deaconlife.com #CatholicDeacon (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/catholicdeacon) #DeaconLife (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/deaconlife) #Catholic (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/catholic) #Deacon (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/deacon) #CatholicPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/catholicpodcast) #Vocation (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vocation) #Liturgy (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/liturgy) #SteubenvilleConference (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/steubenvilleconference) #NETMinistries (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/netministries) #CatholicFaith (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/catholicfaith)