Deacon Robert Templet

A life-long resident of Ascension Civil Parish, Deacon Robert Templet has already put in many years of service to the Catholic Church. 

He began as an altar server and later as an usher and Communion minister both during Mass and to the homebound. 

“I’m a proud member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America; both organizations have impacted me in countless, positive ways,” said Deacon Templet.

Deacon Templet and his wife Becky have been married 17 years. He has a daughter, Jacquelyn, and two sons, Benjamin and Preston. 

Deacon Templet said he’s always been artistic, “especially enjoying the creative challenges of building things.”

“This has served me well as a designer/drafter for 20-plus years; mostly for the industrial sector,” he said. “I plan to work as long as I’m enjoying it.”

He also enjoys listening to music and sings and plays the guitar.

“When I’m not serving the faithful and our greater community, I enjoy spending time vacationing or even sharing a simple meal with family. I especially enjoy experiencing nature’s beauty and diversity all the while seeking ways to preserve and protect it,” said Deacon Templet.
 

“I’m happy to serve wherever God wants me to work in his vineyard.”

Deacon Robert Templet

His faith journey began early in life, with his parents stressing the importance of attending Mass and receiving the sacraments. He said he “always sensed a joyful peace while attending Mass.” 

But in his early 30s, he felt a heightened sense of spirituality when his fiancé, Becky, decided to become Catholic.

“I went with her to the RCIA sessions in support of her faith journey. This experience basically kick-started within me the desire for greater insight into my Catholic faith,” said Deacon Templet.

He later learned about Ignatian Spirituality and began attending silent retreats. He also added prayer and reflection into his daily routine.

“It was at one of these retreats where I believe the call to serve God more deeply originated,” said Deacon Templet. “I was meeting with one of the spiritual directors and he asked, ‘What does God want of you?’ Without hesitation I replied, ‘Service.’

“I left the retreat without thinking anything about it. Months later I saw an invitation from the Office of the Permanent Diaconate to attend discernment sessions. I sensed God’s hand in inviting me toward this ministry of diakonia (Greek for service).”

Deacon Templet said the biggest challenges of his formation were having to reacclimate to academic studies and budget his time efficiently; however, the biggest reward was forging a “fraternal bond” with the other men in his formation class.

“They have each provided me encouragement when I most needed it; brothers they truly are,” he said. 

Deacon Templet has been assigned to St. Anne Church in Sorrento and St. Anthony of Padua Church in Darrow. 

“I’m happy to serve wherever God wants me to work in his vineyard,” he said.