Recently a good friend of my family, a deacon in the Catholic Church, died. I grew up with his son, who is now a professional Tenor. I remember when Richard was going through Diaconal training. Anyhow, at his death, he left my dad the "pix" in which he used to take communion to the sick. My Dad would fill in for Richard when Richard couldn't make it. Dad has now adopted that ministry. To me, he left all his diaconal books. The Rite of Baptism, The Rite of Marriage, and many more. I've long talked about becoming a Deacon when I get out of the military. Even if I don't, it was a cool gift.
Richard was an example of all that is right with the Catholic Church. He was a convert in the early 60's. His son, who had MS, died at age 17, his wife, a few years later. Richard raised another daughter with MD and three other kids, by himself. He gave a lot of time to serving the church, and eventually went through the 5 year process of becoming a Deacon (an unpaid position). He always had time for his kids, and for his ministry in the church, whether at the Altar, the food bank, giving communion to the sick, educating kids, etc etc etc.
He was a great example of witnessing his faith by his life. He will be sorely missed.