Wind to be ordained transitional deacon Dec. 15

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Dec. 06, 2007

When one young man from the Diocese of Sioux City went to the seminary, his intention was to rule out the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood - but God had other plans.

Jeremy Wind, a native of Jefferson, said, "I never wanted to be a priest, but what happened is that a lot of people saw a gift within me and started inviting me and asking me to consider it."

Time and again he said no way but eventually, he gave the seminary a shot.

"I went to the seminary to get people off my back - and to get God off of my back," he acknowledged. "I originally went to seminary to discern that I couldn't be a priest."

He transferred into college seminary after attending Iowa State University. By the end of college seminary, Wind was fairly certain he did have a call to the priesthood. He didn't start major seminary studies for about 18 months because he was discerning whether to become a religious order or diocesan priest. In the end, he determined his calling was for diocesan priesthood.

Eventually all of his misconceptions of the priesthood were cleared up and any doubts evaporated.

Now he is confident that he is being called to the priesthood.

"It is very clear to me that I am where God wants me," said the 28-year-old. "I feel real confident with that."

In about a week, Bishop R. Walker Nickless will ordain him to the transitional diaconate. The ordination is slated for 10:30 a.m., Dec. 15, at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

"I'm both excited and scared," acknowledged Wind. "I'm excited about all of opportunities for ministry that the church gives to deacons - being able to preach, baptize, celebrate weddings, etc. But I'm also scared because there is a big responsibility that goes with proclaiming the word of God and preaching."

Because ordained ministry is such an awesome responsibility, he noted there is some fear related to "not letting God down." He would never want to say anything that would make people turn away from God or doubt God's existence.

"It's a holy fear," said Wind.

Despite some fear, he said he believes that God will provide enough grace.

"I know I have to be open to listening to God and listening to the Holy Spirit," said Wind. "I know God will provide it all - but I have to be open to listening, receiving and following it."

That "big time" takes the pressure off this big step.

As a transitional deacon, he will continue his studies at St. Meinrad School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Ind., until his ordination to the priesthood this June.

The son of Tom and Sue Wind of Jefferson has two younger siblings, Marieta and Chris.

Wind said he anticipated preaching at some Masses in his home parish during the Christmas holidays.

"Shortly after I am ordained (to the diaconate), I plan to go on a mission trip to Honduras. We will go to the mountain villages," noted Wind, who is organizing the trip for the seminary. "Usually when people go on these mission trips, they catch people up with the sacraments."

For instance, babies born since the last missionaries came through will be baptized and marriages will be blessed.

Once back in Indiana, he'll have additional avenues for involvement in ministry.

"I already have at least two preaching assignments at local parishes around the seminary. I will do some preaching in Spanish to the Hispanic communities around here," said Wind.

Above all, he said he looked forward to the chance to walk with people as they grow closer to God. Wind also looks forward to the "unique opportunity to be with people at really important moments in their lives and also the unique opportunity to share my faith and the beauty of Scripture and what God can do."

Wind pointed out that his schooling has helped to prepare him for his new responsibility. At the seminary, they even have classes where they practice Masses, baptisms, funerals and weddings. Other classes focused on preparing homilies.

Next semester, as his ordination to the priesthood fast approaches, he will partake in practice confessions.

With the upcoming ordination to the diaconate, Wind said he anticipates that the laying on of hands, the prayer of ordination and Litany of Saints will be powerful moments.

"I feel grateful for this opportunity to be ordained a deacon," he said. "I never expected to be called to this. I am grateful for all of the people who have prayed for me and supported me."