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Deacon Owen South, 78, is a retired public school teacher and Korean War veteran who served with the Marine Corps. Ordained a deacon 28 years ago, he serves at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Schenectady and has served churches in Cohoes and his home parish, St. Helen's in Niskayuna. Deacon South and his wife, Nancy, have seven children and 16 grandchildren.

When and why did you realize you wanted to be a deacon?

I felt a call. I was on retreat at the Dominican Retreat [and Conference Center in Niskayuna]. Father Paul Roman was directing.

That Sunday afternoon, he gave us a snippet of Scripture and told us to read it and then come back and talk about what it meant. I found myself saying I was called to be a deacon. I let it go for a couple of weeks, but I had to find out about it.

Who was your inspiration?

My wife, Nancy, through her involvement in the Charismatic Renewal. She led me into it. At first, I thought the people were crazy, that they were a bunch of holy rollers. But she got me indoctrinated.

How did your family feel about your decision to become a deacon?

The first day I was on the altar, they were all there in the pews, rubbing elbows. 'What is Pop doing up there in those robes?' they said. They were just being funny. But they were proud of me.

Were your expectations met?

I've had a feeling God was in charge. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't feel too comfortable at first. Father Harry Flynn [now retired archbishop of Minneapolis] sent me on to the diocesan director of the diaconate. The director told me that my being uncomfortable was exactly what they wanted.

Through the diaconate, we've had the most togetherness happen, my wife and I. We go to nursing homes together. We do stuff together. It's been really good.

What is the most difficult part?

When I have to give a homily at church. It's easier at the nursing homes. I don't write too much. But I pray a lot and read a lot. I was an English and reading teacher.

What do you like the most?

Going to the nursing homes. We do eucharistic prayer services. I do storytelling. I do Native American stories, Bible stories and a lot of Irish and African-American stories.

What do you like to do for fun?

We've got a tandem bicycle. We do cross-country sking in the winter, and we hike. Visit the grandkids - we take trips to visit them, from Seattle to New Orleans. We try to keep active.

What sacrament inspires you the most?

The Eucharist. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a powerful thing. We are part of the Nocturnal Adoration Society.

What do you want others to know about being a Catholic?

We tell the young kids, 'You've got to spend time with God. Then it's easier to love people.'

During the "Year for Priests," which concluded in June, The Evangelist began a continuing series of Q&A interviews with local clergy, religious and laity.


FAVORITES

Music: Christian music

Performer: Nat King Cole ("He came out to play for us on the base when I was in the Marines. He was expected to play an hour and he played more than two.")

Movie: "On the Waterfront" ("I worked on the waterfront when I was in college.")

TV: EWTN

Recreation: cross-country skiing, bike riding, hiking

Sports team: Yankees

Food: Italian sausage

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