Diocesan seminarian reflects on missionary service in China

Sept. 27, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: Shane Deman, a seminarian of the Diocese of Sioux City will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on Oct. 4 in Rome.

He will preach and serve at the altar during Mass.

"The diaconate conforms one to Christ the Servant in preparation for priesthood. One also promises daily prayer of the Divine Office, humble charity, obedience, and a commitment to celibacy," said Deman.

Shane Deman

Parents: Greg and Francine Deman

Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa

Home parish: St. Michael

Education: Grade School to present- St Michael grade school, Bishop Heelan High School, University of St. Thomas, North American College Seminary

Priesthood ordination date/location - Cathedral of the Epiphany- June 28, 2008

This summer he participated in missionary service in China.

Below are his reflections.

By Shane Deman

For seven weeks this past summer I had the opportunity to serve with the Maryknoll Missionaries in China. Stationed at Christ the Worker Parish in Kowloon, Hong Kong, I taught English on a part-time basis and also accompanied my pastor into mainland China for his outreach work to religious communities, leper colonies, and Catholic villages. The summer was unforgettable, combining the great wealth of the city of Hong Kong alongside the poverty of southern China. Yet in these areas, where Christians are a minority, was a sense of vibrant faith.

Working alongside missionaries who have given up so much to be of service to Christ and his church sharpened my focus as prepared for my upcoming diaconal service. I was fortunate to assist an elderly pastor, who after spending decades working in China, has fully given his heart to his flock and to the future of the church in China.

Additionally, it was interesting to see the differences between Christianity and other Asian religions. Experiencing other world religions gives one a chance to value the thoroughness that Christianity offers in response to fundamental questions such as the meaning of life, death, ethics, salvation, among others.

The most remarkable occurrences came as I accompanied my pastor to the poor areas of southern China. The faith is strongly alive in communities of rice farmers, merchants, and those suffering from leprosy. Such people who lack many material accessories and whose government hinders the activities of the Church are rich in the depths of their faith. I was also privileged to encounter the enthusiasm surrounding the recent letter to Chinese Catholics by Pope Benedict XVI. Additionally, attending the funeral of a ninety year-old bishop who had suffered for 20 years in the Communist labor camps was unforgettable. He was a true witness of the faith.

Experiencing these overseas events gives one a chance to see the international flavor yet also the unity of the church. Let us pray for the church in China, that she may one day enjoy her fullest expression.