Our Stories: Deacon John Doherty

Written by John Doherty, Published on July 16, 2018

St. Paul’s was my first faith home. It was a short distance from the trolley line, which had a stop near our house.  Sunday meant getting dressed up for church school and Morning Prayer, with Eucharist once a month.  I joined the acolytes and remained active until college. I was so happy when I got big enough to ring the bells at the Sanctus. At that time, they were rung by hand-pulled ropes!

I remember learning the Catechism. I was baptized the day before I was confirmed. It made a big impression on a 13-year-old. The classrooms at St. Paul’s were full and the acolyte corps was large.  The deacon at St. Paul’s, Peter Pintus, was the director of acolytes. He was a quiet influence on me.

After moving back to Des Moines, we visited churches of various denominations but St. Paul’s and my Episcopal roots kept calling me back. My family and I were warmly welcomed and soon we had many friends. In time, I became acolyte master and verger while serving on several vestry and chapters. My wife Jan and I were youth group leaders for several years. I have great memories of Christmas pageants and productions such as “The Play of Daniel” and “Noye’s Fludde”.

Education for Ministry (EfM) was transformative for me. I am thankful for the many educational opportunities at St. Paul’s.  I was ordained to the diaconate in 2007. I am employed by St. Paul’s serving first as Minister of Finance and now as Canon Administrator and Ministry Developer.

It is very meaningful for me to serve and worship at the church where I was raised and where both of my parents worshipped and from which were buried. 

St. Paul’s was, is, and will be my faith home.