Deacon German Gonzalez

“Great things happen with a humble ‘yes,’” said German Gonzalez, one of 15 Spanish-speaking permanent deacons ordained for service in the diocese May 14. That simple yes began with his birth family, echoed in his own life, and continues to ring in the lives of his children.
 

Deacon Gonzalez was born in Colombia and completed his elementary and high school studies in the city of Manizales. His father, Leon, and mother, Adíela Escalante, had seven children. “My mother was a woman of strong faith,” he remembered.
 

Gonzalez’ journey to the diaconate stemmed from his time serving young Catholics.
 

“In my previous parish, St. John the Evangelist in Bergenfield, I volunteered in the youth ministry alongside my family for over 10 years,” he said. “I served them in their music ministry and in their spiritual formation. I was inspired by the fruits of the ministry in their lives.
 

“My faith was being formed and strengthened through the many talks, testimonies, preachings and retreats we attended,” he continued. “This journey influenced me, at some point, to consider the diaconate.”
 

The deacon, whose spiritual home is St. John Paul II Parish, Perth Amboy, served as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, lector and confirmation catechist.
 

He has worked as an independent truck operator for 22 years. He and his wife, Maria, have been married for 32 years.
 

The couple’s strong Catholic faith has manifested itself in their three children, Gonzalez noted. “Our eldest daughter, Anacelis Diaz, is the principal of Perth Amboy Catholic School. Our son, Nicholas, is studying at Rutgers University [New Brunswick], and our son, Matthew, will be ordained a priest [for the Archdiocese of Newark] in May,” he said happily.

The support of the family is integral for the permanent diaconate, Deacon Gonzalez affirmed. “The family that prays, forms, and serves together grows together. This statement is a reflection of the fruits I see today flowing from my own family. My wife has always and continues to encourage me to come out of my comfort zone and to serve the Lord without limitations.
 

“This influence fueled my decision to enter the program,” he continued. “Without her support and understanding, I am certain that I would not be at this moment in my life. My children have also been very encouraging throughout this whole process, whether it was proofreading, quizzing me before exams, or merely listening to my many mock preachings, their willingness to share in my journey helped stretch my limits. My family believed in me and I’m grateful to God for their love and support.”

His advice to those considering the diaconate program is “to be open to the Holy Spirit and to trust in God.”

“The Holy Spirit will guide you,” he said. “Prayer is also key. Prayer will nourish your soul as God fulfills his great works in your life.”