Message from Bishop Wester

Intermountain Catholic

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Deacon Moises Ruiz gives the homily at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish.

OREM – More than a year ago, the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City witnessed 21 men being ordained permanent deacons.

Among those ordained was Moises Ruiz, who now serves both the Spanish and English congregations of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Orem.

"This year has been a year of a lot of learning experiences," Deacon Ruiz said. "It has been really good, a lot of positive things have been accomplished and there has been a lot of work."

Each week Deacon Ruiz gives the homily during the Sunday Masses; every three weeks he also preaches during the Saturday Masses. In addition, he helps with the RICA program as well as performs quinceañeras and baptisms. A few months ago he assisted at his first confirmation.

"I also help the young people with sports," said Deacon Ruiz, adding that it is very important to help and advise families.

One of these families is the Sosas, who have been parishioners of Saint Francis of Assisi for five years.

"Hearing Deacon Ruiz has been very refreshing, as Latinos we are proud of him," said Alfonso Sosa.

Deacon Ruiz felt called to a vocation when he was a child because he felt a lot of admiration for the priests. His grandfather was also very influential in his calling because he told all his family how much he would like for one of them to be involved deeper in religious life.

"I have been ordained, not a priest but a permanent deacon, and that’s something my grandfather always wanted," Deacon Ruiz said. "I hope one of my kids will do it, too."

Ruiz has three daughters and two sons, all of whom are married and some have their own children. His wife, Juanita, has helped him throughout his life, he said. "She supports me every day more and more; she is always helping me with my English. I am very lucky to have her. That means a lot to me."

For him, keeping the faith generation after generation is very important, he said, that’s why he works so hard teaching his family and the community. He finds great satisfaction in Saint Francis of Assisi Parish’s many ministries and lay people who are committed to the faith.

"I just try to contribute as much as I can," Deacon Ruiz said. "When I chose to become a deacon it was to be able to serve, and I want to do it as much as I can."

In addition to his work at the parish, he applies his diaconate training in his regular job as an adviser in a construction organization in which he supports all the workers with social justice matters.

"I won’t stop till I die," Deacon Ruiz said with a smile.