Meet our new deacons: Dan Maxcy

July 1, 2022

After attending the initial Faith Journey Catechetical Institute, Dan Maxcy, of St. Mary of Nazareth in Des Moines, asked his wife, Kelly, what she’d think if he were to look into becoming a deacon. Kelly said she was waiting for him to ask. 

At about the same time, the couple found themselves being asked by other people if they had ever thought of the permanent diaconate. 

They went to a diaconate informational meeting and prayed.

“I had an epiphany and realized that it wasn’t my job to decide to be a deacon or not,” Dan said. “Instead, I have to trust Christ and trust that he will take me where I need to go.”

The couple’s faith, prayer and works of service have changed over the last few years.

“I am a cradle Catholic and much of my life has included works of service both through my school and family. It has been a blessing to have Dan embrace serving others.”

As a part of the diaconate formation, the candidates pick an “‘icon of Christ,” which is a specific ministry that allows them to model Christ. Dan and Kelly chose one they could do together: InnerVisions HealthCare, a prolife crisis pregnancy center.  

“Being there in any capacity for those mothers has been transforming for us and we hope we can bring those same skills into our ministry,” Dan said. 

The Maxcys have grown.

“If Dan and I had not done this as a couple, both learning and growing together, I do not see that Dan would have completed the training,” Kelly said. “This journey is an ongoing changing formation that we do together.”