Del Sherman, a candidate for the diaconate and one of Mike's classmates joins us this week. Del runs a family drive-in movie theater. He opens up about his journey from being a nominal Catholic to a devoted candidate in the Deaconate Formation Program.

We navigate through the biblical history of a deacon's role, delving into St. Stephen's early role as the first deacon. While service defines a deacon's call in ministry they also have a role in the liturgy. As we traverse Del's tale, we illuminate the crucial yet often overlooked support system that wives provide to deacon candidates, as marriage remains a primary vocation for married Deacons.

Picture a group of six future deacons, each with a distinctive story and a shared destination. This episode doesn't just highlight the journey of these men, but also the silent strength of their wives, who are pillars in the formation process. From classes to parish involvement, their consent and dedication are critical to these men's success.

The Church search heads to Our Lady, Help of Christians, a unique parish with 4 sites:

LITCHFIELD
9608 Norwalk Rd.
Litchfield, OH 44253
(330)722-1180

LODI
8240 Buffham Rd.
Lodi, OH 44254*
(330)948-3500**

SEVILLE
60 High St.
Seville, OH 44273*
(330)769-3831**

NOVA
240 State Route 511
Nova, OH 44859*
(419)652-3931**

Their pastor Fr. Ed also bakes an award-winning pie.

A New feature: "Scripture or Swift." 5 quotes that are either from Taylor Swift songs or the Book of Lamentations.

As we wrap up, we invite you to join us in marking your calendars for the upcoming ordination on May 4th at the Cathedral and note the ordinandi's new assignments (given to them post-recording):

Mike Hayes, St. Christopher, Rocky River
Ed Linsky, Holy Spirit, Cleveland
Christopher Loxterman, St. John Vianney, Mentor
Del Sherman, St. Peter AND St. Julie Billiart, North Ridgeville
Mark Tomecko, St. Francis Xavier, Medina
John Zarbo, St. Anthony of Padua, Fairport Harbor

Don't forget to send your questions of Faith to mhayes@dioceseofcleveland.org.

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Discover the sacred intricacies of the Catholic Mass as Mary Hrich, our Director of the Office for Worship, discusses what happens to the Precious Blood after Communion. From reverent consumption to the purification of vessels, Mary guides us through the liturgical protocols.

Church Search goes to Sacred Heart in Wadsworth.

Readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter.

We invite you to be part of our next episode by contributing your burning questions about liturgy and music and even more by sending questions to mhayes@dioceseofcleveland.org

Delve into the sacred with Mary Hrich, the Diocese of Cleveland's Director for the Office for Worship, as we address the intricacies of the communion rite—is personalizing it with a communicant's name a move towards intimacy or a step away from the ritual's communal roots? As we unravel the layers of this debate, you'll gain a deeper understanding of why "The Body of Christ" is more than just a phrase—it's a universal proclamation that unites us all in faith. Our conversation doesn't stop there; We'll discuss FD's "liturgical facial hair" better known as the "Divine Mercy Mustache."

Our spiritual exploration then shifts to the poignant symbolism of the Good Shepherd, as FD recounts his recent visits to many of the vibrant parishes of our diocese including this week's Church Search, St. Clement Parish in Lakewood. Dr. Megan Bolin, like Fr. Damian is trying to visit every church in the Diocese (Her book "Ignite" on Young Adult Ministry is out as well.

The episode reaches a crescendo as we discuss the readings for Good Shepherd Sunday and the upcoming consecration of the Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd chapel.

Join us for a heartfelt discourse that not only connects liturgy and community but also the enduring presence of the Good Shepherd in our daily lives.