Deacon Freddy A. Perez

PERTH AMBOY— “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (Jn 15:16).
 

This is the Scripture that Deacon Freddy A. Perez lives by, advising that we should always follow God’s will without second guessing or looking back. He is the epitome of practicing what he preaches, having suffered a stroke during his diaconate formation, but still followed his path when many others may have given up on both themselves and their God.
 

“I believe that there have been many small moments in my life over a long period of time that have led me here to God’s calling and this ministry,” said Deacon Perez. “I am just so thankful that I have answered [the call] and been obedient in the Lord, and am allowing his will to be done.”
 

Born and raised in Neyba, Dominican Republic, Deacon Perez attended Arzobispo Valera Elementary School and Manuel de Jesús Galvan High School. He then found his way to the United States, where he met his wife, Bernarda. Married for 35 years they have two daughters, Bernys Perez and Flerida Perez-Wright, and four grandchildren, whom he called, “wonderful.”
 

“My family has been extremely supportive throughout my journey [to become a deacon]. When I told them of my plans, they were proud and happy, and they continue to be my support system,” Deacon Perez said.
 

His first calling was to the steel workers union, where he has been a member for over 30 years, working for Mauser Packaging solutions in Woodbridge.
 

Deacon Perez began his unofficial journey to the diaconate as a lector at La Asunción Church, now one of three parishes that make up Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy, which he has attended for more than 30 years.
 

“I remember that oftentimes church members would compliment me and tell me that they saw diaconate qualities in me that at that time I did not see in myself,” he said, adding that a former parish secretary would often refer to him as the parish’s “future deacon.”
 

At the time, he was content with being a lector, noting his priorities were very different. However, a few years later, a conversation with Deacon Tony Besares changed his mind. When he told Deacon Besares he was not interested in the diaconate, he looked him in the eye and said, “Freddy God is calling you.”
 

Years later, this was reinforced when a good friend, Dimas Espejo, invited him to an Emaus retreat. It was here that the true desire to seek the theology education needed to become a deacon was instilled. This was the moment he felt God’s calling.
 

“Reaching this milestone was an enormous challenge for me. I had to enroll in a certificate program at Seton Hall University, South Orange, and that meant very intense theology courses and a great deal of studying,” he said.
 

Deacon Perez suffered the stroke near the end of his studies.
 

“I was very fearful my health would not allow me to finish my program on time with my classmates,” he said.
 

However, his fears were cast aside. thanks to the help of his classmates and professors, whose support helped him complete his formation on time.
 

He noted the stroke affected his voice, but he has now recovered. He stressed the importance of trusting in God, leaving everything in his hands.
 

“I am aware that as a deacon I am merely an instrument for the Lord” he said. “I am eager to do his work and allow myself to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and I intend on serving the Lord and his people incessantly.”

Stacey Daly