July 2023

Above: Deacon Greg Lambert

An Interview with Dcn. Greg Lambert

Meet Deacon Greg Lambert, who was just ordained a transitional deacon in the Archdiocese of Dubuque this May.

A Florida native, Deacon Greg has been living and serving in the state of Iowa since 2020. He is the youngest of four siblings, and was the youngest child of fallen away Catholics in a Hispanic household. Greg actually grew up practicing the religion of Buddhism, and often attended meetings with his mother and meditated with his family. He credits these experiences with learning how to pray.

After his mother returned to the Catholic Church and he and his siblings were baptized, Greg began his journey in the Catholic faith when they began going to Mass and learning scripture. His freshman year of high school was when he really began to make his faith his own, after he was invited to his first parish youth group event. This was an opportunity for him to grow in the faith alongside his peers, while making great memories. It was in this group that he first was introduced to the word “vocation.”

After graduating high school, Greg completed seven years of formation – four years at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, and then three years at the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. Before becoming a transitional deacon, his bishop in Florida asked if there was anything that he wanted to do before being ordained. After stopping and taking this to prayer, he decided to utilize a year to travel and work, as he had previously never had the opportunity to do so. Greg’s brother had gotten married and lived in Dyersville, and so Greg took the opportunity to come north, and has been here ever since.

Deacon Greg has been assigned to the Cathedral of St. Raphael and St. Patrick’s in Dubuque this summer as part of his final year of seminary formation, and will be ordained a priest next spring.

1. What does a typical day look like for you as a transitional deacon?

This summer I have been assigned to serve at the Cathedral of St. Raphael. Besides serving in daily liturgies, many a time I find myself shadowing the pastor into meetings with different circles of people. I find it important to learn how to work with different levels of both parish and archdiocesan employees. I also make a habit of visiting our parishioners at both Mercy and Finley hospital as well. The ability to travel has been beneficial in getting to know the center of our diocese. I’m still relatively new to the diocese, so getting to know all the “local customs” will be helpful to me in the future.

2. What are some of the responsibilities that you hold as a transitional deacon at St. Patrick’s and the Cathedral?

My responsibilities as a transitional deacon might be different depending on the day. I might be visiting cathedral parishioners at Mercy and Finley hospital. On another day, I might be assisting at mass, and preaching. Most days consist of some liturgical function, and day to day learning about the everyday movements in a parish. One of the more eventful responsibilities I have is the teaching of an adult confirmation class. Even more special, this year’s adult confirmation class will receive the sacrament on my birthday!

3. You’ve now been a transitional deacon for a little over a month – what’s one lesson you’ve learned in your time so far that you’ll carry with you into the priesthood?

A lesson I’ve learned as a transitional deacon is the simple rule of availability. To be available as a priest is of vital importance. With the reality of priests taking on the shepherding role of multiple parishes, many times the people of Iowa are in need of a priest who is able be around for the little things. To be available for the bible studies, confirmation groups, rosary walks, and family dinners speaks volumes to our people. I hope that I may remain available in every way that’s important.

4. Can you share a meaningful experience or story that has impacted your ministry as a deacon so far?

One of the most meaningful experiences had this summer was getting to preach on the feast day of one of my favorite Saints, Maria Goretti. She's been one of my favorites since early on in my seminary formation. I hold her in my heart, but it's not often that her optional memorial is chosen and the Roman Missal, and her significance explored. Being given the opportunity to preach at the mass was impactful for me, but the response from the people is what made the day truly memorable.

The congregation was very receptive, and curious to learn more. After mass a woman approached me with tears in her eyes, hoping she can learn more about the young saint. Turns out she had lost her son when he was young, and she would like to know more about why the Church celebrates the innocence of this young girl. In a way this Saint helps her feel connected to her son who’s passed. If I can help with such a connection, then I’m honored.

5. How do you continue to grow spiritually and deepen your relationship with God in your role as a deacon?

Finding time for personal prayer has been integral in my spiritual formation. Daily life in ministry can lead to a schedule that often fluctuates. Finding the time and space to stop and pray has been a test of restraint and maturity for me. Early on in my seminary experience I enjoyed writing out my thoughts. As I continue to grow in the spiritual life, I enjoyed writing about conversations I have with the Lord. These journal excerpts have been valuable for me to go back to or discuss with my spiritual director. Over the years, this love of writing has led to multiple reflections, and even a finished book. As a result, I have seen my relationship with the Lord begin to take a unique shape this summer.

6. Are there any pieces of advice that you would offer for the next class of men who are going to be ordained transitional deacons next year?

Remember who you are without the authority and prestige of Holy Orders. Before becoming a man of God, a clergy person must first be a good man. The people of God are amazing and so supportive of their clergy but can sometimes put those in authority on a pedestal. We were not ordained to be served, but to serve. In saying that, I would like to remind any of those who follow me in ordination that every ounce of authority, leadership, and prestige has been gratuitously gifted to you by God. Do not squander the opportunity to leave and nourish his people by first abandoning and nourishing oneself.

If it sounds intense, that's because it is. Fortunately, leading the church doesn't all depend on you. It never has. We are instruments of God's grace, meaning it is God who leads the way, affects the heart, and builds his church. It is our responsibility to be docile to the movements of the Holy Spirit and be formed in the image and likeness of Christ. I look forward to having many more brothers enter the priesthood. It’s an understatement to say we need help. However, more than good volunteers, we need good men of God.

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Generosity is one of the few gifts that can be given without the need for foresight. Meaning, just being generous to others guarantees fruit in the future. Thank you for being generous to me, and I promise to bless our diocese in generous reciprocation.

- Deacon Greg Lambert
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7. What would you say to someone who has donated to support seminarian education through the Archdiocese of Dubuque?

I would like to thank all those who have donated to my education in any way. Your generosity and sacrifice have produced a fine education for a man who feels deeply convicted and called to the priesthood. Though I will not have wealth to give back, I'll use the talents gifted to me by the Lord to yield fruit a hundredfold. Generosity is one of the few gifts that can be given without the need for foresight. Meaning, just being generous to others guarantees fruit in the future. Thank you for being generous to me, and I promise to bless our diocese in generous reciprocation.

Update on ArchdioceseOne Progress:

So far, over $16.4 million has been raised for the ArchdioceseOne special appeal. Of which, $7.7 million of this amount is unrestricted, and over $2.7 million has been restricted for Seminary Education. Thank you for your support not only for current seminarians, but also for future vocations to the priesthood.