Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

Deacon candidates receive hospital ministry training in Casa Grande

By Sr. Lois Paha, O.P., Director of Formation The Diocese of Tucson Common Formation Program’s class of 2026 deacon candidates recently had a unique experience in Casa Grande for the final session of the second year of their four-year program. Our formation team received resources to assist with the formation of 15 deacon candidates for visitation to hospitals and nursing homes. While this topic is presented during the third and fourth years of their formation with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the visit offered them a hands-on experience. Casa Grande’s Deacon Steve DiMuzio and Deacon Mark Drost from St. Anthony of Padua Parish provided the leadership at the Banner Casa Grande Medical Center and the Oasis Pavilion Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Deacon Steve serves as a chaplain at the hospital, and Deacon Mark and the other parish deacons visit the nursing home regularly for prayer services and visitation to the patients. This practicum provided the candidates with two hours in each location, shadowing Deacon Steve at the hospital and Deacon Mark at the nursing home. Four of the five Lay Ecclesial Ministry candidates spent their day learning about their commitment and practicum experience in pastoral planning and ministry. Together with the Common Formation Team, we celebrated Mass with the St. Anthony Parish community. On the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, we heard the Gospel story about Jesus the Good Shepherd. In his homily, parochial vicar, Fr. Jesus Gomez, spoke about his love for his call to service in the Church through his priestly vocation. Having the formation class together for this special Sunday helped all see the importance of their call and response to servant leadership in our church.