Meet Dc. Jeff Dixe, new director of Adult and Ministerial Formation

Helping to create disciples, servants of God is an ‘honor and humbling’

[adinserter block=”1″]

By Eileen Jevis, staff writer

Photo: Sun Archives

Jeff Dixe has spent decades in leadership positions — as a special education teacher and administrator, in parish ministry, and now, as a newly ordained deacon and director of Adult and Ministerial Formation. He said that as a leader, praying, listening, learning and being present is 95% of the battle.

“I’ve learned that showing up with an open heart and asking the Holy Spirit to guide the way is what sustains me,” he said. In his various careers, Dixe recognizes that people want to be treated with kindness, be acknowledged, respected and allowed to discover their strengths. “And hopefully,” he said,  “use their strengths and talents for something bigger than themselves.”

As a special education teacher, Dixe worked with children with their own unique sets of needs, but who also had their own unique strengths. That experience taught him to be keenly aware that relationships come first.

As a newly ordained deacon, Dixe relies heavily (if not totally) on prayer. “All of this started with Jesus. It progresses with Jesus, and one day it will end (and begin again) with Jesus,” he said. He recalled that at his ordination in May, Bishop Lucia talked about being “Doers” of the Gospel. “And that’s what deacons are. We are servants — servants of the Lord, our Bishop and the people of God.”

It is a speech given by Pope Francis on July 30, 2016, at World Youth Day in Poland, that motivates Dixe in his vocation. Pope Francis said, “The time we are living in does not call for young couch potatoes but for young people with shoes — or better — boots laced. It only takes players on the first string, and it has no room for benchwarmers.” In other words, explained Dixe, “Get off the couch and into the game.”

Deacon Jeff said his work in the diaconate is pure joy and the source of that joy is the Lord. “The Lord speaks to us in so many ways, through so many people, in so many different circumstances, especially the regular day-in and day-out experiences of our lives,” he said. “Never discount what the Lord is saying to you through your lived experience.”

For those contemplating a religious vocation, Dixe encourages them to reach out to their pastor and discuss their call with him. He also suggests connecting with a spiritual director. “If I could give any advice, it’s this; be patient and gentle with yourself. Things happen in God’s time and according to God’s plan.”

Using Deacon Tom Cuskey, the editor of The Catholic Sun as an example, we asked Dixe about juggling his vocation with marriage, family and other responsibilities. “In my opinion, the call to vocation as a permanent deacon is something that arises out of the marriage covenant,” he said. “If you’re married, love your wife in word and deed, listen to your wife and pray with her and for her. I pray that I always stay focused on the fact that my call to service is first to her.”

Dixe said that his vocation as a husband and father and as a permanent deacon is the best of both worlds. “You cannot separate out or segment your life as a deacon,” he said. “I am a deacon on the altar, in the office, walking down the street, and most importantly, in my home with my wife and daughters (and soon-to-be sons-in-law). No matter where you are, after the Bishop places his hands on your head, you’re a deacon,” he said.

Now, in his new position as director of Adult and Ministerial Formation, Dixe looks forward to being present and connecting with God’s people. He said to be able to play a small role in helping create disciples and servants of God is an honor and humbling. “I will do my best to remain open to the Holy Spirit and the direction He may be leading us,” he said.

The Office of Adult and Ministerial Formation assists and supports parishes/Pastoral Care Areas and Vicariates in meeting the need for ongoing formation and accompaniment of adults and provides education and training to lay adult Catholics to prepare them to share the Gospel as lay ministers and deacons through the Formation for Ministry program.

Dixe’s advice for the diocesan community? “Each morning, when you first wake up, before you do anything else, say good morning to Jesus and ask Him to be with you in all you do that day.”