Randolph Lee Bayerl is one of five men ordained permanent deacons at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud. Deacon Bayerl shares about his life of faith and hopes for his future in ministry.
Current Parish: St. Andrew, Elk River
Hobbies: Singing (Adult Choir, Men’s Choir and Funeral Choir), cantor/psalmist and soloist, playing the guitar
Favorite Saint: St Joseph. Joseph is my confirmation saint name.
Favorite Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer
Tell us a bit about your current family life.
I will be married for 37 years in October. We have two married sons: David (wife Heather, son Dominic and daughter Magdelene) and John (wife Rachel).
What do you do for work?
I’m a pastoral assistant and have been for the past seven years at St. Andrew’s. Those ministries include baptism prep, marriage prep and managing the sponsor couple ministry, nursing home Communion services and recorded Mass presentation with Communion for four locations in the Elk River Area, being a choir member, leader for our Sherburne County Area Catholic Community of three churches, assisting with youth and adult formation, and outreach ministry collaboration with Elk River Ecumenical Ministerial Groups (of 12 Christian churches).
What drew you to the diaconate?
I felt a spiritual calling to deepen and use my charisms in the areas of service and to be present for others (listening and serving) as a reflection of Jesus Christ in the areas of liturgy and accompaniment for and with the people of God. I found a recognition and prompting in prayer, to build upon my life’s pattern of similar interests and opportunities to which God’s present was active in me and provided guidance to serve others.
What surprised you most about studying to become a deacon?
While studying Scripture (during coursework at the School of Theology), the introduction to the reality of redaction with scriptural text (the editorial process of assembling, shaping and revising existing oral or written traditions or source materials to create a final literary composition). On one’s journey of faith, Scripture is impactful as coming from the God, inspiring and guiding our traditions and understanding through the Magisterium. This surprise also helps unfold how the interconnected stories of salvation history through Scripture help reveal God’s plan.
How have you grown in your faith?
I have grown in faith and understanding through the gifts of Holy Spirit which are quite moving and productive when we open ourselves to receiving the wondrous bounty that is always there and never failing. For example, reading James 1:4 helped lead me to develop better perseverance so that I lack nothing of what I need to respond to God’s will over my will in my life. My growth is helping me manifest a more attentive and fruitful ability to be the witness others need to see and experience in my actions more than just my words.
Tell me about some meaningful moments serving your parish.
The most moving moments have been the opportunities to bring holy Communion to those in need. I have also been very moved by the invitation to be with families during vigils and burials of their loved ones, to lead these services on behalf of the Church. Finally, my love of music has also given me the opportunity to sing in choirs, offer solos like the Easter “Vigil Exsultet” and “Ava Maria” and proclaim the psalms.
What do you look most forward to as a deacon?
To incorporate the grace of the sacrament to do God’s work though all that I do — as a spouse, parent, grandparent, parishioner, parish staff member and friend.
What moments of faith stand out to you from your youth?
- Observing the loving service my dad had for both my mom and brothers through a variety of challenging health situations;
- The faith filled love that both my parents exhibited and devotion to the Catholic Church;
- As a young adult always being able to rely on my faith, through adversity and joy validating that God never leaves us (Hebrews 13:5).
Where did you attend Mass and participate in church life when you were growing up?
Holy Trinity, Winsted, Minnesota
Did you serve in your parish community during your youth?
Yes, I was very active in all these areas. I was blessed to attend Holy Trinity Catholic School in Winsted from grade school through high school.
We are currently in the process of pastoral planning for our diocese — how can lay people help clergy to create vibrant faith communities?
- Be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit to use their gifts of time and talents.
- Grow in faith by volunteering (part of our witnessing).
Pray for and cooperate with God’s movements in our spiritual lives.
In Isaiah 43:19, Revelation 21:5, and Isaiah 65:17, God promises to make “All Things New” — the theme of our planning process. What does this mean to you and what do you think God promises for the Church?
As we open our lives more fully, doing God’s will, freely taking up our daily crosses in faith, over the exclusion of our will, we will participate in the new and eternal life God has graciously planned for us. Our cooperation will bring about blessings to bestow for others. As the body of Christ), we will cooperate in manifesting the glory of God’s original holiness and blessing the world. It is not about a building or location — it is all about the newness of life, “we the body of Christ,” through God’s blessing.
What do you most appreciate about the Diocese of St. Cloud?
As the people of God, we have been richly blessed by our new shepherd, Bishop Patrick Neary, CSC. I pray for grace and wisdom to illuminate all that he does and all that we are guided to do under his pastoral service.
Pictured above: Deacon Randy Bayerl speaks to the assembly after his ordination June 14. (Dianne Towalski / The Central Minnesota Catholic)
