Meet our new deacons: Oran Struecker

July 2, 2022

Oran Struecker, of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines, converted to the Catholic faith about 25 years ago.

The desire to become a permanent deacon has been on his mind for about 15 years.

Oran was positively influenced by the ministry of Deacon Dave O’Brien. His passion for bringing people to Christ had a profound effect in Oran’s faith journey.

“A pilgrimage to the Holy Land played an important part in my faith journey,” said Oran’s wife, Marilyn. “To be that close to the life of Christ brought the bible alive for me.”

The process of formation helped the couple discern God’s calling to the diaconate.

“I didn’t think I’d be smart enough or be able to speak in front of people, but I trusted and it was a blessing to see how God took all of my strengths and weaknesses and used them,” Oran explained. 

The Strueckers are involved with several healing ministries in the Diocese and look forward to other ways that they will be called to service in the coming years.

“We have no idea where Christ will lead us,” Marilyn said. “But we’re pretty sure that we’ll be doing it together.”