Deacon Ubaldo Valdez

Ever since he was a 14-year-old attending the minor seminary of the Salesian Missions in the Dominican Republic, Ubaldo Valdez has contemplated serving God in some capacity.

Born and raised in the Caribbean nation, he immigrated to New Jersey in 1993 at the age of 21 and soon became an active member of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy, where he and his wife served as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion.
 

However, in order to pursue his calling to be an ordained minister, he knew he would have to perfect his English to enroll in the program. His prayers were answered when his cousin and future classmate in the formation program, Deacon Isidro Abreu – who was unaware of his relative’s desire to become a religious – mentioned that the diocese was creating the first diaconate program for Spanish-speaking men.
 

The effort would require a strong commitment from his family, but he was confident they would help.
 

“My family already knew my feelings and vocation. They were [a] great support for me throughout the preparation and studies process,” he said. “My biggest challenges were being able to undertake my studies, my work, and my family at the same time and continue with some responsibilities with the community.”
 

During formation, his duties included helping to clean and restore a convent in Flemington with the other diaconate candidates. He also worked with seniors, visited the elderly, and brought the Eucharist to those confined at home during the pandemic. He attended to some individually, carrying the word, praying with them, or just listening. In addition, he managed the grocery store he owns in Plainfield during the program’s five years of intense studying and workshops.
 

“I had many beautiful experiences,” he noted about the formation process. “I met 14 great brothers who are now deacons, their families who are now my families, from acceptance to acolyte. I met great teachers who formed us and gave everything so that we would be good deacons, the spiritual direction of our deacons, and the joy of seeing my family and community praying and supporting me every day, and the support of our Bishop [James F. Checchio] and his joy of preparing 15 new deacons for his diocese.”
 

Deacon Valdez’ spiritual counselor and friend of many years, Father Nicolas Francisco Noreňa, served in the vesting role at his recent ordination. Father Noreňa is the parochial vicar at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish.
 

The next personal goal in Deacon Valdez’ vocation involves learning how to deliver an effective homily while continuing in his theological education. He is eager to establish a closer bond with his community through baptizing, conducting funerals, and witnessing marriages as he “serves God as a consecrated,” he wrote.
 

Deacon Valdez expressed his appreciation for the creation of the inaugural Spanish formation program to Bishop Checchio and Deacon Stephen F. Kern, director, diocesan Office of the Diaconate, “for their support, dedication, and effort” in this opportunity. In addition, he expressed kind words for Deacon Edgar Chaves, interim co-director of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Ministry, “for giving himself to this great project” and for his “advice and knowledge.”

“May the Lord bless him and his family,” he added.
 

For those considering a call to the diaconate Deacon Valdez offered this advice: “If you feel the vocation to serve God, he will give you the strength and the gifts to make it possible to say ‘yes’ to the Lord.
 

“I am a witness of the greatness of God – how in these five years he has been with me and my family. I owe everything to him.”
 

When the opportunity allows time away from his religious and workplace obligations, Valdez takes pleasure in dining out with his wife, Mercedes D. Castillo, and their two sons. He also enjoys bike riding, swimming, and going to the movies during his leisure time.