“Growing up, my family and I looked at priests and nuns not just as religious but as friends and neighbors,” reflects newly ordained Deacon Kevin Hughes when asked about his calling to diaconate.
The oldest of seven, I grew up in a Catholic neighborhood,” explains Deacon Kevin. “I lived across the street from St. Ann Parish in Cadillac. Along with the other kids in the neighborhood, we would head to the church before noon as the janitor would let us climb up to the bell tower with him and ring the bells for the Angelus. There also were basketball courts we frequented, and it was not unusual for the nuns to come outside and shoot hoops with us.”
The mustard seed of ministry was planted for Deacon Kevin as a youngster. The fruit came to harvest on April 20, 2024, when the U.S. Navy veteran who served in Vietnam and retired photo imaging business owner of 33 years was ordained a deacon by Bishop Jeffrey Walsh. He will serve St. Ann Parish in Cadillac, St. Stephen in Lake City, St. Edward in Harrietta and St. Theresa in Manton.
Leading a Service-Inspired Ministry
“Service is in my blood,” says Deacon Kevin. “I look forward to using my diaconal faculties to bring the faithful Christ in the Eucharist. I am reminded each time I am called to do this, a prayer from St. Teresa of Avila that begins: ‘Christ has no body but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours.’
“It is true that God has a plan for each one of us. Often, he reveals his plan through others we encounter in life. My diaconal journey began with the suggestion of others that I knew in church,” he offers.
“The last 10 years my business pretty much ran itself, which allowed me to step away and focus more on my Catholic faith. Our parish cluster offered many adult faith formation classes that I enjoyed,” says Deacon Kevin.
“Through this process, the diaconate was suggested, and I was eager to at least attend an informational meeting and find out what it was all about.”
Outside of ministry, Deacon Kevin likes sports, reading and exercising. He also enjoys attending or watching the Red Wings, Tigers and the Lions.
“The writings of the early Church Fathers are of much interest, and I find that there is always something new each day which can be found in the Liturgy of the Hours,” he ends.
Through God’s grace, may the mustard seed continue to flourish and bear fruit throughout Deacon Kevin’s diaconate ministry to the faithful of our diocese.
