Episode 22: The Formula is Right at PSJS XXIII | Deacon Robert Hennekes, Archdiocese of St. Louis

“I just kept growing deeper in love with God. What did He want from me?” Deacon Robert Hennekes is a third-year theologian from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and he sits today with Msgr. Bill Fay. Their discussion takes us around the world! Deacon Bob began a career as a chemical engineer, stepped into engineering software sales for a time, and then became a teacher at St. Dominic High School in O'Fallon, Missouri. What was this journey like for Bob? How did he decide to become a permanent deacon, and then a seminarian studying to dedicate his life to God and His Church? It’s a fun ride, and Bob has enjoyed every stage along the way. Hear about the two places in the world that were the most interesting to him and why. How did he transition from such a well-travelled life to a steadier, quieter one? Bob may tell you God’s service is not all too quiet! What is his greatest and most significant observation of life in formation at Pope St. John XXIII? The formula for permanent deacons is right. Listen to Deacon Bob’s story. Perhaps you might recognize that God is calling you. Prior to entering the seminary, Deacon Bob had a 33-year career as a Chemical engineer in the oil and gas industry, followed by 8 years of teaching science and engineering at St. Dominic High School in O'Fallon, Missouri. He became a permanent deacon in the St. Louis Archdiocese while teaching at St. Dominic. “With my level of age and experience, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary is the perfect spot for me. The seminarians here are mature, loving, and ready to serve God. All of us have experience working in the secular world and now share the joy to work in the spiritual world.”