Meet our future deacons

Thomas Hosty

Name: Thomas Hosty
Age: 58
Wife: Julie Hosty
Home Parish: St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis
Occupation: Director of operations for St. Barnabas Parish
 

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

My most important role model has been my wife, Julie. She has always been such a strong person of faith. During our courtship, engagement and in our marriage, she has always been the consistent anchor of faith for me. My parents, Jim and Janet Hosty, also had a significant influence on my faith.
 

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

My favorite saint is St. Luke. He was a masterful writer who, with guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote one of the most beautiful pieces of literature of all time in his Gospel. The parable of the good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37) is my passage in Scripture. It is a good model of love and mercy for all disciples of Christ, but particularly for deacons who are called to bring love and mercy to society’s most vulnerable people.
 

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

During much of my deacon formation, I worked for the NCAA in Indianapolis. In this secular job and as a supervisor, I could not openly speak of my faith. I tried to live by the adage attributed to St. Francis, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and use words if necessary.” We can be the face of Christ to others without uttering a single religious word.
 

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

For many years after, I often turned to prayer asking God, was there something else he wanted me to do? I sensed there was for many years, but could not discern it. Then about nine years ago, God’s plan slowly began to reveal itself: a call to the diaconate. With guidance from Deacon Patrick Bower, I was able to engage in a fruitful discernment and the call became more clear. My answer then and now has been, “Here I am Lord, use me as you will.”
 

How will being ordained a deacon have an impact on your life and family?

Our deacon formation directors coach us all the time to put our family first, then our work and then diaconate service. We are encouraged to maintain a good balance in our lives. We have been told that we may be asked to take on many things as a deacon, and sometimes it is acceptable to say, “No.” We all have our limits and must keep a good balance.
 

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

Out of law school, I joined the district attorney’s office in Kansas City, Kan. I tried and prosecuted hundreds of individuals, many of whom were sentenced to prison. I gained valuable insights. After we moved to Indiana, I joined the Kairos prison ministry and have served at the Putnamville State Correctional Facility for 12 years. I gained new perspectives. I can see the pain and suffering of crime victims, the need for justice in our society, and the pain and suffering of the imprisoned. I plan to continue this prison ministry. I also plan to continue to take Communion to those in nursing homes and the homebound. †