Deacon Life

Deacon Michael Halbrook
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Real conversations with permanent deacons about the joys, struggles, and Christ-centered journey of diaconal ministry. Each episode, host Deacon Michael sits down with a fellow deacon to explore the moments that shape this unique vocation — from the call to ordination, to navigating family life and parish ministry, to the quiet sacrifices no one sees. Whether you're a deacon feeling the weight of ministry alone, discerning the diaconate, or simply curious about what this calling looks like from the inside, you'll find honest stories and a reminder: you're not alone in this calling. New episodes every other week.

Episodes

  1. Deacon Adam Cox: From Black Magic to the Altar | Deacon Life Podcast #3

    21H AGO

    Deacon Adam Cox: From Black Magic to the Altar | Deacon Life Podcast #3

    In Episode 3 of the Deacon Life Podcast, Deacon Michael Halbrook sits down with his classmate and friend Deacon Adam Cox for a raw, honest conversation about conversion, spiritual warfare, and redemption. Adam grew up in a home where his mother practiced black magic, kept the Satanic Bible, and actively hated the Catholic Church. There was no Christian faith, no structure—just survival through instability. Through a guitar teacher's invitation to a Baptist church, Adam found Christ at 25. But it was a series of vivid dreams—including one where his deceased mother appeared to affirm his path—that led him to the Catholic Church and eventually to the diaconate. Now ordained alongside Michael, Adam speaks openly about the reality of spiritual attack ("The devil didn't bother me when I was living in debauchery—but now he's on me like you wouldn't believe"), his journey to 604 days sober, and leading men's ministry through the Knights of Columbus CORE program. This episode is a testament to the transforming power of grace—that no background is too dark for God to redeem. Key topics: Conversion story, spiritual warfare, dreams and discernment, alcoholism recovery, men's ministry, CORE Knights of Columbus, nursing home ministry, St. John Paul II

    34 min
  2. God Draws Straight with Crooked Lines: Deacon Lekë Brisku | Deacon Life Podcast #2

    JAN 28

    God Draws Straight with Crooked Lines: Deacon Lekë Brisku | Deacon Life Podcast #2

    In Episode 2 of the Deacon Life Podcast, I sit down with Deacon Lekë Brisku of the Archdiocese of Chicago to hear his powerful story of falling away from the faith—and finding his way back through God's mercy. Deacon Lekë shares his journey as a first-generation Albanian-American, growing up in a traditionally Catholic family while navigating life in Chicago. He opens up about owning a bar for 17 years, falling into dark places, and the moment he realized he couldn't walk through life without the Lord. What we discuss: Growing up Albanian-Catholic in Chicago and finding community in the Croatian parishFalling away from the faith and finding himself in unexpected placesThe moment God's mercy brought him back to the ChurchSeeds of vocation planted at 24 that took years to bloomSeeking out adoration chapels during formation and asking God, "Are you sure you want me?"The profound moment of lying prostrate at ordinationWhy listening is the most important part of ministryNavigating parish unification and learning patience in correctionHis passion for evangelization and Alpha ministryTimestamps:0:00 - Introduction & Opening Prayer2:21 - Growing up Albanian-Catholic in Chicago6:04 - Falling away from the faith9:30 - The call to the diaconate15:34 - Adoration and discernment during formation18:42 - Most striking memory from ordination21:54 - Surprises in ministry28:49 - Balancing prayer, family, work, and ministry36:32 - Frustrations in parish ministry41:36 - Advice for deacons and those discerning44:57 - Speed round: Favorite saint, book, and ministry focus47:06 - Closing prayer Whether you're a deacon, in formation, or discerning this call, Lekë's honest reflection on God's patience with crooked lines will resonate deeply. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes featuring deacons sharing their stories. Connect with Deacon Life:Website: https://deaconlife.comCommunity: https://community.deaconlife.com #CatholicDeacon #DeaconLife #CatholicPodcast #Vocation #Evangelization #AlphaCatholic #ChicagoArchdiocese #PermanentDeacon #CatholicFaith #GodsMercy

    48 min
  3. From Steubenville to the Altar: Deacon Alec Campbell's Story | Deacon Life Podcast #1

    JAN 14

    From Steubenville to the Altar: Deacon Alec Campbell's Story | Deacon Life Podcast #1

    Welcome to the very first episode of the Deacon Life Podcast! In this inaugural episode, I sit down with Deacon Alec Campbell to hear his remarkable journey from a young man in central Louisiana to ordained diaconate ministry. Deacon Alec shares about his formative Steubenville Youth Conference experience, his year as a NET missionary in Canada, and the winding path that led him from considering priesthood to embracing his vocation as a permanent deacon. What we discuss: Growing up Catholic in Louisiana and the influence of his devout grandmotherThe pivotal eighth-grade Steubenville conference that changed everythingLife as a NET missionary and learning to be "uncomfortable"Discerning between priesthood and the diaconateNavigating family life, full-time work, and ministryHis deep passion for liturgy and helping others fall in love with the MassWhy every deacon's story mattersWhether you're a deacon, in discernment, or simply curious about diaconate ministry, this conversation offers an authentic look at what it means to be called to serve as a deacon in the Catholic Church. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring deacons sharing their stories, struggles, and insights. Connect with Deacon Life:Website: DeaconLife.comEmail: deaconmichael@deaconlife.com #CatholicDeacon #DeaconLife #Catholic #Deacon #CatholicPodcast #Vocation #Liturgy #SteubenvilleConference #NETMinistries #CatholicFaith

    1h 15m
  • 3 Episodes

About

Real conversations with permanent deacons about the joys, struggles, and Christ-centered journey of diaconal ministry. Each episode, host Deacon Michael sits down with a fellow deacon to explore the moments that shape this unique vocation — from the call to ordination, to navigating family life and parish ministry, to the quiet sacrifices no one sees. Whether you're a deacon feeling the weight of ministry alone, discerning the diaconate, or simply curious about what this calling looks like from the inside, you'll find honest stories and a reminder: you're not alone in this calling. New episodes every other week.

Information

  • Creator
    Deacon Michael Halbrook
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Domus Formation Inc.
  • Show Website
    Deacon Life