Deacon Joe Allen

My name is Joe Allen and I'm a Permanent Deacon here at the parish.  My Wife Tina and I are Founding Members who live in the parish boundaries and have been here at JP2 since Day One.  All of our kids have flown the nest and we have three small grandchildren. I have a strong personal devotion to Our Lady of Fatima who has helped me in my faith.

About my role:  Deacons are Ordained Ministers (the first rank of Holy Orders) and are a gift from the Archbishop to help the Parish Priest. We undergo years of training. "Permanent" Deacons can be married before Ordination but take a vow to not marry again should their wife become deceased. We will not become Priests. This is different from "Transitional" Deacons who are single young men completing seminary who will go on to become Priests, but whether "Transitional" or "Permanent" we all hold the same office and our duties are the same.  I am involved with many projects behind the scenes most parishioners never see, especially in assisting Fr. Farrar bring Holy Communion to local retirement/nursing homes. I also help fallen away Catholics return home. Deacons do not ask for a salary from the Church so we all have full time jobs. My full time job is serving as a Chaplain for Catholic Community Hospice.  In addition to that, Archbishop Naumann recently appointed me as the next State Chaplain for the Kansas Daughters of Isabella. For hobbies, I'm a huge Royals and Chiefs Fan and enjoy spending time with my family. My Goal: to serve the Church and help Fr. Farrar inspire all of you to grow a deep intense love for Jesus, especially in the Holy Eucharist!