Deacon from 1st formation class celebrates 50 years
July 1, 2022
A Cursillo retreat in the 1960s led to a new role for clergy in the Diocese of Des Moines.
Ten men who attended that Cursillo all felt called to “something more” in the Catholic Church and wrote a letter to Bishop Maurice Dingman, asking him to consider initiating a formation program for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Des Moines.
Thus began their journey through a three-year formation process, which included instruction by professors at Creighton University, to become the first class of permanent deacons.
Deacon Larry Knotek was one of that group, nine of whom were ordained permanent deacons on June 4, 1972, at the Harlan Civic Center with Bishop Dingman presiding.
One of the group of ten was too young according to the guidelines to be ordained at that time. He waited and was ordained in 1977. Deacons did not wear the albs and dalmatics we see current deacons wear, but rather wore suits and stoles. Deacon stoles were not readily available then, so stoles for these special men were sewn by the Creighton University Drama Department.
Deacon Larry remembers the early years as having a lack of guidance and direction for these newly ordained deacons. Soon a community was formed, holding regular meetings and receiving ongoing education, and a constitution and ministry plans for each deacon were established.
Deacon Larry served at St. Patrick Parish in Council Bluffs as the choir director, but his liturgical functions were minimal. The main focus of diaconate ministry at the time was charity outside the parish.
This emphasis led Deacon Larry and his wife, Marianne, to begin a ministry to homeless families in the form of a shelter which they titled Micah House, based on God’s command in Micah 6:8 “Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” These words epitomize the life of Deacon Larry and Marianne.
Deacon Larry recalls that he was attending a meeting with priests to discuss what to do with the old St. Francis Parish convent, and he burst out with “It should be a homeless shelter,” an idea he said was truly an inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
For him and Marianne, this was a huge leap of faith since neither knew anything about the lives of homeless families or running a shelter. The idea was presented to Bishop Dingman, funds were raised and Micah House became a reality in 1987. The facility could house 8-10 families.
The Knoteks believe God had his mighty hand on the ministry, for whenever a need arose and money was needed, the exact amount would always arrive, either by donations or by a grant being approved.
A big example of this was Marianne being in the right place at the right time. She was attending a meeting in Des Moines, and the governor was present. Iowa had up to $60,000 available for individual project reimbursements.
The governor said, “If you need help of any kind, just let me know.” The money was much needed at Micah House, since there were sewer issues and other needs. Marianne contacted the Governor’s Office, reminded him of his promise, and he cut through the “red tape” and gave Micah House the money.
Deacon Larry and Marianne retired from Micah House in 1996, and Micah House continues to this day to shelter homeless families in the Council Bluffs area.
The Knoteks have been married 65 years and have six children, two of whom are deceased. After retirement from his career as a mechanical engineer, Deacon Larry served as a deacon at Corpus Christi Parish/Holy Family site.
Deacon Larry will be honored on Saturday, July 23, at the 4 p.m. Mass at Corpus Christi Church, in Council Bluffs with Bishop William Joensen presiding. A reception will be held in the church’s Great Hall that evening from 5-7 p.m. All are invited and welcome to attend this evening of thanksgiving and celebration.