Diaconates
Left to Right: Joe Sebik, Bishop Luis Raphael Zarama, Joe Werner, Jorge Rosende
JOE SEBIK
I am married to my amazing wife, Nicole, and we have two teenage sons who serve as altar servers. One is entering eighth grade, and the older is a rising sophomore at Father Vincent Capodanno High School. After taking time away from full time teaching to homeschool our boys, I am returning to the classroom this year as a Theology teacher at Father Vincent Capodanno High School. I am excited to begin this new chapter. My studies for the diaconate have provided a strong foundation for teaching Sacred Scripture and Theology.
We have been parishioners at St. Mary Magdalene since 2013 and have been involved in a variety of ministries over the years. We have participated in Youth Ministry, Gather, The Rock, The Edge, The Way, and Adult Formation. I am a member of the Knights of Columbus, and Nicole is a member of the Columbiettes. We love our parish family and have always sought to serve wherever we are needed. That growing desire to serve is what ultimately led me to explore the diaconate.
Over the years, I occasionally thought about the diaconate and wondered if I might one day be called to serve in that role. Eventually, I felt a stronger prompting to look into it more seriously. One evening, I spoke with Nicole about it, and she encouraged me to pursue it. The very next day, I received an email from the Diocese that included information about an upcoming session for the next cohort of the diaconate formation program. I attended the sessions and ultimately applied. Since then, I have continued to pray that God’s will be done and remain committed to that prayer as I complete this final year of discernment.
Our cohort consists of 11 outstanding men from across the Diocese, including three from St. Mary Magdalene. The journey began nearly six years ago with the initial information sessions and has included four years of academic instruction and formation. We have learned from professors from Duke University, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, and priests from our Diocese who are experts in their respective fields. It has been a tremendous education in philosophy, theology, Scripture, and the sacraments.
With one year remaining before ordination, our formation now focuses on continued study, service, and discernment. As instituted acolytes, we are being called to serve more visibly at the altar while continuing to prepare for the possibility of ordained ministry.
JOE WERNER
Hello! My name is Joe Werner. My wife, Laura, and I moved to the area from Northern New Jersey in 2005. We have two adult sons. One lives in Charlotte, and the other lives in New York City. I work in sales for a manufacturing company based in Pennsylvania. Laura and I have been parishioners at St. Mary Magdalene since 2011.
Although I am a cradle Catholic, I did not truly encounter the Lord and experience the joy He brings until I was in my 40s. The Lord lit a fire in my heart that continues to grow. As I sought to give my life more fully to Him, He placed a call to the permanent diaconate on my heart.
I love sharing the faith with anyone willing to listen. I do not want others to spend years searching as I did without knowing the deep joy and peace that the Lord can bring. It is a blessing to accompany others as they grow closer to Christ and discover His presence in their lives.
JORGE ROSENDE
When did you first feel the calling to enter the program?
My interest in the Diaconate began after meeting Deacon John Hubisz and learning about the responsibilities associated with the role in a parish. Through his guidance, friendship, and example, I gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of the vocation. As my involvement in various ministries grew, so did my desire to serve the Church in this capacity.
Background history (general age/stage in life, children, married, retired or working, how long lived in Apex, other ministries involved in, etc.)
My wife, Lynn, and I have been married for 30 years. We moved to North Carolina in 1998 after leaving active duty in the U.S. Army. Except for three years in Northern Virginia, North Carolina has been our home ever since. We joined St. Michael’s in Cary before moving to St. Mary Magdalene in 2001, where we were blessed to raise our three children.
Our oldest daughter lives in California with our seven year old granddaughter and serves in the Air Force. Our middle daughter was recently married at St. Mary Magdalene and serves as a Company Commander at Fort Bragg. Our son is currently attending college. After returning to the U.S. Army Reserve, I retired with a combined 22 years of military service.
At St. Mary Magdalene, I have been actively involved in Youth Ministry since its CCD days, as well as Prison Ministry, Migrant Meals, Eucharistic Adoration, Easter Vigil Adoration, Lector and Extraordinary Minister service, the Diocese Human Life and Dignity Ministry, and the founding of both the Safety and Security Ministry and the upcoming Invite One Over Home Adoration Ministry.
General information about the program itself and where you are in it (length of time it takes to complete, types of instruction, etc.)
As described in the Acts of the Apostles, the role of the deacon emerged so the Apostles could focus on leading the growing Church. Originally called to serve widows, the hungry, and those in prison, deacons continue Christ’s mission of service to both the Church and society.
The formation process spans six years, including one year of discernment followed by five years of academic, spiritual, and pastoral formation. Deacons baptize, witness marriages, lead prayer services, and preside at funeral rites outside of Mass. They also help identify community needs, organize charitable outreach, and advocate for those on the margins, all rooted in their sacramental vocation of service.
Future Goals
God willing, my primary goal is to be ordained and serve the parish and diocese wherever I am needed. Beyond that, I hope to remain open to God’s will and continue following wherever the Holy Spirit leads.