Blog Post 05-20-2025 Celebrating 25 Years of Service: A Tribute to My Dad, Deacon George

 

 

Surprise! Today’s post is a special one. In honor of my dad’s 25th anniversary as a permanent Deacon, I am a guest contributor to “A Daily Dose of God”, my Dad’s blog. My name is Elizabeth, and I’m his one and only daughter — some might even say his favorite. He would smile and say, “Yes, that’s true, you are my favorite daughter…”

 

Twenty-five years ago, in the Cathedral in Allentown, PA, during the Rite of Ordination, my dad laid prostrate to God and publicly committed himself to a life of service as a permanent Deacon. That act represented a complete surrender to God in humility, while recognizing that the grace to serve comes from God. It marked the culmination of five years of preparation, prayer, and dedication.2

A huge shoutout goes to my incredible mom, who held down the fort during that time, balancing everything with strength and grace while Dad followed his calling. You are amazing, Mom!

My brothers and I often joke about Dad being a Deacon, but the truth is, his calling has been a profound gift — not just to our family and the OLPH community, but to everyone he meets. There is a calm, peaceful presence about him — a warmth that makes people feel seen, heard, and loved.

Through his ministry, my dad has touched countless lives. From celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism, including Baptizing his grandchildren and having the privilege of giving First Holy Communion to six of his grandchildren [so far], to witnessing weddings, comforting the sick, and consoling people during life’s hardest goodbyes. He is a steady, compassionate and emphatic presence in our chaotic world.

From the pulpit, he shares wisdom, poses thought-provoking questions, and invites us to reflect on our lives and faith. He allows God to speak through him, reminding us that all are welcome in His house. He encourages us to grow spiritually and to make the world better through small, meaningful acts of kindness.

I want to close with two powerful scripture verses that reflect this milestone:

1 Peter 2:9 — “Set apart and chosen for His purpose.”
There is no doubt in my heart that my dad was chosen to be a Deacon. How blessed we are to witness his devotion and grow from his example.

Isaiah 6:8 — “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’”
Thank you, Dad, for saying “yes” to God’s call, for sharing your gifts, and for strengthening our faith. The world is better because of you.

St. Francis de Sales said, “Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things. And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you then and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”

May this blessing guide you, Dad, into the next years of faithful service. Thank you for being a light to so many, and congratulations on twenty-five incredible years of deaconate service to the Lord and His people. We love you and we thank God for you — today and always!

Thank you, Liz, Dr. Elizabeth Kelly Koch, daughter, wife, mother of four, teacher, and other roles too many to enumerate here. Your most important role is Christian, and you do that very well allowing Christ's light to shine through.  Liz, I love you very much, along with your Mom and your brothers. You [still] are my “favorite” daughter.

Love,

Dad [Deac]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May God Be Praised.