Steve Sandoval’s journey to the diaconate reveals a profound response to God’s invitation, a beautiful “yes” that transforms service into stewardship of divine grace. Through military deployments, volunteer missions and sacramental ordination, he shows how ordinary lives become vessels of God’s compassion.
Steve describes his path to the diaconate as one shaped by service and discovery. While deployed to Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, he encountered a Franciscan priest who began teaching him salvation history and deepened his understanding of the Catholic faith.
“God has many ways to lead us to service,” Steve said. “Sometimes, we think we are choosing the path, but really God is guiding us step by step.”
After his baptism on Aug. 4, 2002, Steve began volunteering at an orphanage and organizing weekly missions to bring supplies and companionship to children.
The children affectionately called him “Papa Noel.” For Steve, those experiences revealed something deeper about the Christian life.
“We would fill half a van with donations, bring them to the orphanage and spend time playing soccer or basketball with the kids,” he reflects. “Those moments were simple but powerful. The kids were just looking for someone to spend time with them.
“That is when I realized service itself can be a ministry,” he offers. “Sometimes, the most important thing you can offer is your presence.”
Over time, this spirit of service continued to grow. When a confirmation teacher was deployed, he stepped in to help. He served as a catechist, lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion and chaplain’s assistant in the military.
“When I speak of being called, it is much more than volunteering,” Steve explained. “It is an unmistakable draw filled with goodness, hard work and a desire to help others encounter Christ.”
Formation and Family
Education and service continued to shape him. Steve earned degrees from Aims Community College and Saint Leo University and served 21 years in the military, including deployments and leadership roles at Fort Polk and Hill Air Force Base.
Steve and his wife, Jessica Sandoval, have been married for 30 years and raised four children who are now adults, ranging in age from 26 to 31.
Since first sensing a vocational call in 2002, Steve continued his spiritual formation through spiritual direction and virtual study programs with the University of Dayton, the University of Notre Dame and the seminary program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.
“This formation helped me understand that grace is something we receive and then share with others,” Steve said. “God entrusts it to us so that we can give it away in service.”
Ordained to Serve
Steve was ordained to the diaconate on April 18 at St. Mary Cathedral by Bishop Jeffrey Walsh and now serves at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Prudenville.
“My goal is simple,” Steve offers. “I want to be a steward of grace and serve wherever God places me.”
For Steve, the diaconate is not simply a role, but a way of life rooted in prayer, service and humility. Through faith, family and service, he continues to show how God’s grace becomes visible through the ordinary acts of everyday life.
