“I look forward to sharing the Gospel’s message with the faithful,” reflects newly ordained Deacon Curtis Chambers. “It is a life-changing experience to feel the presence of God. I hope to share that experience with others.
“My calling to the diaconate grew through attending religious functions over the years. I remember a particular experience when I talked with two young men from Chicago, following a Mass, who were discerning vocations to Holy Orders. I felt it as a sign God was calling me to formation in having the opportunity to have a fruitful discussion with them.
“I have a relationship with Archbishop Bernard Hebda who planted the seeds for my calling by sharing his ministry and encouragement for formation with me.”
Bishop Jeffrey Walsh ordained Curtis to the permanent diaconate on April 20, 2024, at St. Mary Cathedral.
“Formation took roughly six-and-half years, with monthly meetings, spiritual direction and completion of academic courses through the University of Dayton, Notre Dame University and University of Saint Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary in Illinois,” he explains. 
Planting Seeds of Faith
Now a deacon for St. Mary-St. Charles, St. Clement and Sacred Heart, he says: “I’m excited to serve the Cheboygan, Pellston and Riggsville Catholic Community. I look forward to working with the Native American populations to bring them into deeper encounters with God.
“I additionally look forward to bringing the Eucharist to those unable to receive Christ at Mass. I desire to bring all the faithful into a fullness of faith and share with them God so they can feel as I feel and have a relationship with God as I have.”
Curtis offers wisdom to aspiring diaconate applicants: “The advice I give is the same that guides me. Psalm 116: ‘I walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.’
“We are called to be a witness of Christ for those who may not be familiar so to plant a seed for those we encounter to harvest a relationship with God.”
When Deacon Curtis is not ministering, he is outdoors or spending time with his wife Jane of 47 years, his three adult sons and his 11 grandchildren. His passion is hiking through the snow on his snowshoes. Over 11 years, he has laid more than 2,000 miles of snowshoe treks, tracing the ministerial route of Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga. He is also an avid canoer on the waters of Michigan.
Deacon Curtis served as a tribal chairman for the Cheboiganing Band of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. He is a retired Cheboygan County harbormaster, a second-generation U.S. Navy veteran and a proud father of two Navy service members.
May God bless Deacon Curtis and his ministry to the faithful of the diocese and beyond.
