Deacon John Hawkins,
Serving 3 parishes in
Frederick County

John Hawkins was ordained a deacon this spring.  He serves the parishes of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Thurmont; St. Anthony, Emmitsburg; and St. Timothy, Walkersville, offering homilies, assisting in baptism and  funerals, and making home visits.  He also serves on the RCIA team.

Originally from Montgomery County, John and his family have lived in Thurmont and been members of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel/St. Anthony since 1990.  John is a social worker with Child Protective Services of Montgomery County, and holds a masters degree in social work from Catholic University.  He and his wife, Diane, have four children: Elise, 14; Justin, 11; Rosemary, 9; Robert, 5.

Besides being a husband, father, social worker and active member of his parish, John had felt the calling to do something more with his life since the early 1990’s, when his spiritual journey began.  “I always felt close to God but at times in my life ignored the invitation I felt,” he explained, blaming his hesitancy on fear of the unknown. “I tried to live an ordinary life, extraordinarily well,” he said.  “I began living the words of St. Francis, ‘Preach the Gospel every day.  If necessary, use words.’”  Becoming more active in his parish, John joined the Pastoral Council, became a Eucharistic minister and joined the Knights of Columbus.

But he still felt the Holy Spirit’s tugging.  John remained somewhat guarded in his faith, wondering how much the Holy Spirit was asking of him.  Heeding Jesus’ words found in the Gospel of Matthew, “… Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket,” John began exploring his spirituality on a deeper level.  In 1995 he began considering the deaconate and attended the Church Leadership Institute.  A year later, he was certain of his calling. 

For two years prior to his ordination John interned at St. Timothy’s, under the guidance of Fr. Richard Murphy.  At St. Timothy’s he witnessed a very community-minded and supportive environment.  John is grateful for the spiritual guidance and support he has received from the Christian community of Frederick county. He is also blessed with a very supportive family, especially his wife, Diane, and his mother, Maria.  Of his mother John said, “She continually planted the seeds of spirituality in me early in life.”

John said he felt a definite inner peace once he made the commitment to become a deacon.  Since then, he has savored each day, realizing what a blessing his ministry has become for him and also for his family. “I am living in an incredible time of my life,” he realizes.  As he joyfully serves in his ministry, Deacon John Hawkins recalls the following scripture…

"...whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.  For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Mark 10:44-45

 We welcome John to ministry in Central Maryland!