Kathy Obradovich is a political columnist for the Des Moines Register and the wife of a newly ordained deacon. I know her to be an intelligent and generous women. She began a recent article entitled Let’s Mix Faith-based service and politics with these words:

One evening, my husband, Jim, casually mentioned that his priest had suggested he look into becoming a deacon in the Catholic Church. He thought it sounded like something he’d want to consider.

Sure, honey, I said, sort of absently.

Well, hold on, he said. The training is pretty significant – four years, including monthly weekend trips to a seminary in Missouri for classes, another monthly Saturday class in the Des Moines Diocese and a full week of summer school every August.

I thought it sounded like the National Guard, but I nodded. Whatever you want to do, dear, we’ll make it work.”

Um, well, here’s the thing, he said. The wives of wanna-be deacons have to go through the entire training program, too. They have to attend all the seminary classes, do all the assignments, participate in the projects. Read More here

I think my neighbors heard me laughing. If I had known what being the wife of a Deacon in Training, AKA DITS, would entail for four very, very long and difficult years, I do not know if I would have given my assent. God kept me ignorant for a reason.

Kathy’s article is well worth the read. She makes a good case for a limited partnership between faith and politics, and she makes a keen observation about the human condition:

“I’ve been inspired by people who dedicate their lives to serving others and have begun to realize how much more we all can do. Here’s a little secret: Focusing on other people makes your personal problems fade into the background.

This experience has made me long to hear something more from our politicians – something that inspires more of us to look beyond ourselves and give service a try.”

Kathy’s column is always excellent and thought provoking even when I don’t agree with her. Keep up the good work Kathy. And heartfelt congratulations to Jim (and you) on his ordination.