Deacon Jimmy Hatfield’s Summer Experience at St. Brendan Parish

Ordained a transitional deacon June 6th, 2009 in his preparation for priesthood.

Deacon Jimmy Hatfield had the privilege of serving at Hilliard St. Brendan parish during the summer of 2009. He arrived a week before he was ordained a transitional deacon and he had the wonderful experience learning from Pastor Rod DiPietro, Fr. Johnson, and Fr. Laurenitis.

Enjoyed the Parish Community

Deacon Hatfield also worked with two religious sisters and three permanent deacons and the entire staff at St. Brendan parish. “Everyone was so helpful. I felt at home and it was such a comfortable, welcoming community,” said Deacon Hatfield.
He was happy to be serving in a parish upon completion of his third year of seminary. Deacon Hatfield is completing his final year of seminary at the Pontifical College Josephinum with ordination to the priesthood in May, 2010. “It is joyful, life-giving, and affirming as people are so appreciative of your service to them and to the Church.”

Teaching  the Youth

One of the many ministries for Deacon Hatfield included working on a team to teach The Edge—a condensed catechetical program for seventh and eighth graders that includes sharing, music, and learning as a bridge between their life, school, and faith. “The kids are on the edge of childhood and adulthood. I really fed off the energy and enthusiasm of the kids and their desire to learn more,” said Deacon Hatfield.

Preaching at Mass

He preached at Mass about three days a week and almost each Sunday during his 10-week stay in the parish. “I enjoyed the prayerful preparation of the homilies. I always hope that God will speak to me when I am preparing a homily, and when He sends the inspiration it is humbling,” said Deacon Hatfield. “I know that it is not me, but the Holy Spirit that powers good preaching.”

An Attitude of Gratitude

Deacon Hatfield summarizes his parish experience in one word: gratitude. The parish staff and parishioners were thankful for his help and Deacon Hatfield was grateful to work with people that appreciated and stepped up to help support the Church, the liturgies, and the many ministries.

Teamwork with the Laity

“I was very impressed with the way the laity supported the parish with 70 parish organizations and faith formation opportunities.” He found it fulfilling to watch how people of all vocations shared their gifts and talents with the Church.
Deacon Hatfield also experienced many ‘firsts’ as a deacon.

Baptizing as a Deacon

The first time he presided at a Baptism, there were seven babies. “It was exciting; you never forget the first baby you baptize as it is a major moment in your vocation,” said Deacon Hatfield. “You are so focused on the child and family. When you dip your hand in the water, you are doing so in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and it is a wonderfully moving moment.”

Celebrating Weddings

Deacon Hatfield presided at his cousin’s daughter’s wedding and that was a great honor for him.  “It was wonderful to preside at a wedding with my non-Catholic family members present. I loved it,” said Deacon Hatfield.

Business Side of the Parish

Deacon Hatfield enjoyed the rhythm of parish life. He learned about the business side of the parish with the bookkeeping and the system of banking, meetings, facility decisions and working with vendors.

Making Time for Prayer

He also made sure there was time for prayer. “I made an appointment with God every day. Just like any appointment, you keep it. My time in prayer is my time with God, and if I don’t have that fuel from prayer, I don’t have the ability to serve and do all those things I need to do to serve the parish.”

Ministering to the Sick and Homebound

Deacon Hatfield ministered to the sick and homebound, “I learned about faith from them. They were so hopeful, cheerful, and grateful to have the Eucharist brought to them.”
He also enjoyed the opportunity to relax with friends and family—time he didn’t always have while at seminary, and he admits that it is all about “being wise with your time.”

Affirmation of his Vocation

He summarizes his parish summer experience as a time of growing in faith and an affirmation of his vocation. “This is what God has called me to do. As an ordained minister, I am able to work with people in key moments of their lives.”
Deacon Hatfield says with certainty that in his vocation, “I receive much more than I give because you meet Jesus in the people you minister to. There is nothing else in the world more powerful for me. There is no greater gift than spiritual fatherhood. I have an opportunity to go out and give and to love as a spiritual father with a very large family; I can’t imagine anything better than that.”