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 Parish: St. John Nepomucene Parish, Little Chute
Birth Date: September 29
Seminary: Mundelein Seminary
Seminary Address:
1000 E. Maple Ave.
Mundelein, IL 60060
Theology IV
E-mail: E-mail Deacon BJ Van Dynhoven
Deacon William was ordained a deacon on May 21, 2011, by Bishop Ricken at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay.
He is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood at 10:00 a.m. June 2, 2012, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.
What is the best aspect of being at a seminary?
I have been blessed to discover a better understanding of relationships: with God, with others, and with myself. I am thinking of the quote, "know thyself." We have to know and be ourselves in order to understand our ministry and how we relate to others.
What do you like to do for recreation?
I LOVE to play disc golf when the weather is nice (now I have a carrying disc bag so you know it's serious), or to go for a short run. In recent years, during our three-day weekend in October, I go grouse hunting with friends in the U.P. I never shot a gun until I started grouse hunting a few years ago. In the winter I enjoy playing racquetball.
Have you had any pets in your lifetime?
I have never had pets growing up and none back home either.
What do you remember most about your Confirmation?
I remember gathering in the lower gymnasium and getting in line as my sister (and sponsor too) and I entered into the church. I remember walking up with my sister and Bishop Morneau calling me by the name John and sealing me with the Holy Spirit using the oil of chrism. Then I remember the light reception back in the gym and talking with bishop for a while. I know there is a picture of me with Bishop Morneau and my sister.
What is your favorite poem?
I love praying with many of the Psalms. My favorite is Psalm 63, "O God you are my God for you I long, for you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you, like a dry weary land without water. So I gaze on you in the sanctuary, to see your strength and your glory." I am constantly reminded of the hunger and thirst in life, and this can never be satisfied by material goods of the world, but by God alone. And through Christ. He is the Bread of Life and the fountain of salvation.
What was one of the best days of your life thus far?
Receiving the grace from diaconate ordination. No doubt this event has forever changed me as I continue to serve God and His people and prepare for priesthood. I find that in giving of myself to bring others to an understanding of how Christ is working in their lives is where I find the most amount of joy and energy.
Which saint should people ask to intercede for your vocation?
St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests. He did not have the flashiest intellect and he struggled so much in school, but in that weakness he was still open to God's abundant graces. Through the grace of God, St. Vianney changed the hearts of his parishioners. People just flocked to see him from all over the world and to go to confession with him. He had so much wisdom and understanding. I ask that people pray through his intercession that I may grow in the fruits of the Spirit and have the same zeal as St. John Vianney, especially in presiding at the sacraments. |
