Deacon serves parish, prison

Deacon Miguel Fabian ministers weekends at Holy Family Church in Albany, and is also chaplain during the week at Green Meadow Correctional Facility. Deacon Fabian and his wife, Yocasta, live in Clifton Park and have three children.

Why and how did you decide to become a deacon?
It's been a long journey. I knew I had a call to do something else than simply going to church on Sunday. When I went to the ordination of a friend who was becoming a deacon, it made me think about it.

Who inspired you to become a deacon?
A wife of a future deacon at the end of the ordination service asked me if I ever thought about being a deacon. Others asked me if I would be next. A good friend of mine in New York City who was a deacon was also a good influence. In 2001, I started in the program.

How did your wife and children feel about your decision?
I explained it to them. I understood it was a family decision. My wife said if that's what I wanted to be, I support you.

Were your expectations met?
I always kept in mind that I went where God sent me. I left it open to the action of God.

How is your ministry different than that of a priest?
Having a family. When I work with a family, I have this experience of my own journey of being a father and a husband. It is easier for me to understand a situation with children and being a husband. I can relate that to my own situation.

Do you wish you could have done something differently as a deacon?
I knew my life would change. You have different responsibilities. You have a specific role to play in the community.

How do you balance your family life and the role of a deacon?
My [paid] job is to be a prison chaplain, Tuesday through Friday. It is what God is calling me to do. I have to deal with different situations, such as when an inmate has a death in his family, and making sure that he will be able to handle the situation.

At the same time, I'm working in my parish on the weekend. My family and I go together to church. To be a deacon and a husband and a father is not a problem.

What's the easiest part of being a deacon?
That I was able to find the calling in my life. The easy part is finding my call. It's blessed to find your call. All human beings have a religious side. It's a blessing. I can dedicate myself to being a better Christian.

What do you do for fun?
Sometimes we go to the movies as a family. My son plays basketball and we'll go to the games. We have family in New York City who we visit. When we go to the shopping mall together we have fun.

What sacrament gives you the greatest peace?
The holy Eucharist. I see how God is giving Himself to us, how He stays with us. You will find peace and love in receiving Him, in receiving Jesus.

What do you want others to know about being a deacon?
It's a gift from God if you have the call. You will find happiness in being in the right spot. I'm finding peace in what I'm doing.

FABIAN'S FAVORITES
Music: meringue ("I'm from the Dominican Republic")
Performer: meringue singer Johnny Ventura
Television show: "I like family comedies, but I don't watch much TV."
Recreation: "I like to repair things."
Sports team: Yankees
Meal: "As a Dominican, I like my rice, beans and plantains."
Dessert: sweet pineapple

01/14/10 [[In-content Ad]]