Robert E. Gatto of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Monroe Township traces his call to the permanent diaconate to a “profound conversion that changed my whole outlook on life” some 25 years ago at a Cursillo weekend on Staten Island, N.Y.

“Part of that outlook was that I fell in love with the Church,” Gatto said. He and his wife Jane also attended a Marriage Encounter weekend and a Deeper Weekend. The blessings are evident; they are married 41 years and have three children: Veronica Cossetta, Christopher and Daniel, and four grandchildren.

“My family and I became active in our parish (Holy Child, Staten Island) and I became involved in the prison ministry at Arthur Kill Correctional Facility on Staten Island,” a ministry in which he is still active, Gatto said.

He first considered the permanent diaconate when living in Staten Island. Several men he knew through Cursillo were studying to be deacons in the Archdiocese of New York. “I was very attracted to that possibility for many years. I also became very close friends with several priests, so the diaconate was often discussed,” Gatto said.

However, classes were held in Yonkers and his job prevented him from attending. His opportunity came when the family moved to New Jersey seven years ago. “Suddenly attending classes became a possibility. I spoke to my pastor, Father Ed. (Edward R.) Flanagan, who encouraged me to pursue it. Jane was beyond supportive and I applied,” Gatto explained.

“Jane and I are team members of our parish RCIA and baptismal prep, and we bring Communion to the local assisted living facility and to several shut-ins. Jane is involved in our parish Caring Meals Program and our St. Vincent De-Paul Society,” Gatto said.

Gatto holds a bachelor of science degree in secondary school teacher training from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, a master of science degree in secondary school teaching and a 6th year Certificate in Supervision and Administration from the College of Staten Island. He is currently Manager of Faculty Support for New York University School of Law in New York City.

“I asked Father Ed to be my vesting clergy because we have become close friends, and he has been so supportive of my calling. I especially look forward to the parish baptisms. I am thrilled that my grandson Lucas will be my first baptism,” Gatto said.

Pondering ordination day Gatto states, “I am mixed between being frightened to death and being overwhelmed with honor. Although I have some butterflies about how well I’ll do in the beginning, I am thrilled and honored to have been assigned to serve in Nativity of Our Lord.”

For John H. Shelton, pursuing a vocation to the permanent diaconate was a “leap of faith.” Four years of academics was “scary,” he said, remembering the rigors of academics in Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx and St. John’s University in Queens, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing.

His pastor Father Edward R. Flanagan in Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Monroe Township encouraged him to get involved. “He got me in the RCIA by asking me to participate in the program,” Shelton said. “After that, I could see the results of being a more faith-filled individual and learning to share it with others.” Shelton has also served as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, baptism preparation, as a lector and in pastoral care in St. Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick.

A providential series of events helped Shelton’s discernment process. Nine years ago he took an early retirement package and a temporary position close to home.

“I found myself going to Mass every Monday evening. That became a big part of my whole thought process. I realized that my faith side was taking second place to work, which had taken first place.” He is now working full time again at Evonik Degussa Corporation in Parsippany, with changed priorities.

“When the (2010) class was being formed, I struggled and turned the application in on the last day. I didn’t feel worthy. I didn’t think I could do it. But I realized that if God wants me there, I’ll be there. So I took a leap of faith,” Shelton said.

Father Flanagan will vest Shelton at his ordination. “He has been a wonderful part of supporting me. I found myself listening to his homilies more than in my whole life. They affected me deeply and caused me to reflect on my faith more than ever before,” he said.

The support of his wife Anne and their sons made the endeavor possible. The Sheltons are parish members for16 years and married for 33 years, with two sons, Ryan, 24, and Michael, 15.

“Over our married life with children, we seem to have balanced each other out,” Shelton stated. “The kids and my extended family are quite supportive too. They can get more excited than I am! They’re waiting to have more children so I can baptize them,” Shelton said.

“As ordination gets closer, I feel just a little anxious. In June the rubber hits the road! But I’m living proof that anything is possible with God. It’s really been a wonderful experience so far, and wonderful people involved in the process,” Shelton said.