Meet our future deacons

Robert Beyke

Age: 53
Wife: Beth
Home Parish: St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis
Occupation: Manager of Environmental Affairs, Milestone Contractors, L.P.
 

Who are the important role models in your life of faith?

My earliest role model was my grandfather, who exemplified a life of a strong, internal faith. Another is my wife, who has helped me to grow in faith and trust in the Lord. I would add my spiritual director for the last 12 years, who has modeled selfless giving and an obedience of faith. I also have relied on the guidance and example of another archdiocesan deacon, whom I first met in 1998 on a Christ Renews His Parish outreach retreat.
 

What are your favorite Scripture verses, saints, prayers and devotions?

My favorite Scripture verses are Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel,” and 1 Peter 3:15-16: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence.” I have a devotion to the Blessed Mother and consecrated myself to her in 2001 as a Knight of the Immaculata.

Deacons often minister to others in the workplace. How have you experienced that already, and what do you anticipate doing in the future?

I am blessed to work for a company where faith is allowed to be explicitly expressed. I have had numerous conversations with co-workers about their faith journey, and have ministered to a few during difficult times. I could see a formal ministry developing at some point in the future.
 

Why do you feel that God is calling you to become a deacon?

I have heard God calling me to more since 2001, but I was never able to discern the direction. A chance encounter with a Catholic deacon at the San Francisco airport in 2007 started me down the path toward the diaconate.
 

How do you hope to serve through your life and ministry as a deacon?

To this point, I have been called to minister to the elderly at St. Augustine Home for the Aged and expecting/new fathers at the Women’s Care Center, both in Indianapolis. While both have been a blessing, I am open to where the Holy Spirit and the next archbishop will lead me in future ministry. I have a strong call to reach out and bring home those who have left the Catholic Church. †