Many have spoken about life’s journey being its own reward. For Deacon William Chirinos, his path towards the diaconate illustrates that idea.
It has been a long journey for Deacon Chirinos, literally and figuratively, on his way to his ordination by Bishop James F. Checchio on May 14 at the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Chirinos is part of a historic class of deacons in which all members speak Spanish, either as a first or second language.
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Deacon Chirinos came to the United States as a youth and settled in New Jersey. After graduating from Mainland Regional High School, Linwood, he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration with a specialization in finance at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.
A certified public accountant, Deacon Chirinos worked previously as an auditor, an accountant, a financial analyst and a financial manager before taking his current position at Johnson & Johnson.
Deacon Chirinos’ wife, Mai, is originally from Vietnam. They have two daughters, Khiem and Micaela. He credits his strong family bond with helping him on his journey towards becoming a deacon.
“They have been very supportive,” he said. “My wife and kids have always helped me throughout the process. My wife has been an amazing support system, making sure everything was being taken care of so I could focus on the studies.”
As a member of the Mary Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough, Deacon Chirinos is active in the Men’s group, Children’s liturgy ministry, and served as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion.
For Deacon Chirinos, who also coached youth soccer, maintaining a good balance between school, work and family has never been difficult.
“My wife and kids made this easy, but it was something I wanted to make sure went well,” he said.
Reflecting on the inspiration that guided him on his path, Deacon Chirinos noted, “I would like to think that the Holy Spirit inspired me to become a deacon. It was never in my plans, but one day during daily Mass I was strongly drawn towards the Eucharist during consecration. As I walked out of the chapel the current deacon asked me if I would consider becoming a deacon. So, no particular person inspired me to become a deacon. It was the Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Deacon Chirinos holds very traditional views of his role as a deacon and his goals for assisting parishioners on their individual faith journeys. “Helping the community and parishioners in general get closer to our Lord Jesus, through his sacraments, the Bible, and teachings of Holy Mother Church,” is what he wants to achieve.
Offering advice to men who might feel a similar calling to serve the Lord, Deacon Chirinos said, “It is a wonderful journey. Pray about it because it is not about you, but what God is calling you to do. If you are doing it for any selfish reasons, then don’t do it. The diaconate is about service and helping to save souls.”