A Message from Deacon Steve Hodson:

While on vacation last month with our 3 daughters and our extended family, (5 grandchildren under the age of 5 and 5 great grand nieces and nephews, including two-year-old triplets), my thoughts turned to family and each of you at Saint Francis of Assisi parish. It dawned on me that my dad’s middle name is Francis and my grandfather’s first name was also Francis. My grandfather served in World War I as a scout and after reading his diary, (which sounds a lot like the movies War Horse and 1917), I can honestly say that it is only by the grace of God that I am here today, and I am so pleased that God is bringing me to your parish. Saint Francis of Assisi exemplified putting one’s whole heart and soul into building up the family of God, the Body of Christ, and that is what we are all called to do.

I am the oldest of seven children and my mom and dad could be saints. Our mom passed away on 2/20/2020 and she was the most charitable woman that I have ever known. Our dad is 93 and is still making wooden crosses and spiritually themed pendants for others that we can pass on to families at Christenings and funerals.

I have been fortunate to have attended Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School and especially blessed when the Holy Spirit descended upon me at my confirmation at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Although there have been many times that I have struggled to remain close to our Lord, God has always been faithful. Many years of music ministry at Our Lady of Peace parish in Lordship and Saint Gabriel parish in Milford, have shown me the power of prayer through music.

My diaconate studies at Saint Joseph Seminary College expanded my faith and thirst for the knowledge and love of the heart of Jesus.
My wife Susan and I have been married for 38 years this September 30th, and have been graced with our four incredible children: Daniel, Cassandra, Kayleigh, and Isabella. Thinking that God was calling me to be a deacon in my late 20’s, God had other plans. A few years’ ago, God again graciously called me to the diaconate, to serve others in new ways. At times the calling, added to work and family responsibilities, seems daunting and like Jeremiah, the prophet, I jest “you duped me o Lord and I let myself be duped!” Yet the joy of being able to officiate at the weddings of Cassie and Kayleigh two months after ordination and the continuous joy of baptizing our grandchildren and many others is beyond compare. Only through our Lord’s infinite grace are these things possible. Reading the Gospel, which is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit, and serving at the altar with God’s chosen priests, also bring me closer to our Lord and all of God’s people.

I look forward to sharing in the spiritual, social, and family life at Saint Francis. Never hesitate to reach out to me to talk about anything that may be on your mind. Please keep me in your prayers and I will do the same for each of you.

The following quotes attributed to Saint Francis speaks of the saint’s humility and God’s majesty: “I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, He can work through anyone.”; “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.”; “We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.”. Besides being the patron saint of animals, archaeologists, ecology, Italy, merchants, and metal workers, Saint Francis of Assisi is also the Patron Saint of messengers. May we all be messengers for our Lord and bring the good news of eternal life in Jesus to the world.

God’s peace and love,

Deacon Steve