Deacon is an asset to St. Vincent de Paul School

Courtesy photo/St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School

+ Enlarge

Deacon Jeff Allen reads to an elementary school class at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School.

Courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School

HOLLADAY — Deacon Jeff Allen, an ever-present part of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in Holladay, reads to the elementary classes monthly and is always ready to help in any way. Deacon Jeff reads books that are enjoyable and teach an important lesson.

“My students enjoy having Deacon Jeff come and read a story to them,” said fifth-grade teacher Maci Frost. “They enjoy listening and learning from him.”

Each month, Deacon Jeff also teaches the middle-school religion classes. He has taught lessons on Jesus, Catholic social justice, world religions and other topics.

“Deacon Jeff’s approach with the students is highly effective because he uses visual aids and is cognizant of making his presentations funny and interesting,” said seventh-grade religion teacher Gary Green. “He is a wonderful model of humility and kindness.”

Deacon Jeff assists at Friday Masses, which the students attend. He often gives the homily and is conscientious about speaking in terms that the children understand. In addition, he trains the altar servers and helps them during Masses by making sure they are comfortable with their tasks. He gives positive comments to the altar servers and other students who help with Mass, such as gift bearers and choir members.

His kind and gentle presence significantly impacts St. Vincent de Paul students. Most appreciated of all of Deacon Jeff’s gifts is that he is a wonderful model of Jesus’ love for the school’s students and staff.