Deacon Albert A. Dizon | St.Catherine of Siena Parish Martinez

Deacon

Name: Alberto A. Dizon
Birthplace: Manila, Philippines
Birthdate: December 20,1955

Martinez, CA 94553
Telephone: 925-370-8143
E-mail: adizon9@aol.com

Wife's name: Yolanda Z. Dizon

Children:
Eugene Z. Dizon
Cheryl Anne Z. Dizon
Catherine Z. Dizon

Liturgical Ministry: St. Catherine of Siena Parish - Martinez

Service Ministry: "No More Secrets" - The Ministry for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse.

Current Employment: General Manager - Shaw Pipe Shields, Inc.

Education:
1.) De La Salle University, Manila Philippines - Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
2.) St. Anthony Catholic School, Manila Philippines - Elementary to High School
3.) St. Paul College, Manila Philippines - Kindergarten

Reason for becoming a permanent deacon?

My love and passion for the Eucharist as well as my willingness and commitment to serve the people of God, inspired me to become a permanent deacon. My involvement in the celebration of the Eucharist as well as other liturgical celebrations in the capacity as a music minister - cantor and member of the choir, has deeply touched me and drawn me to serve and celebrate with the community. I always believed, that a liturgy that is well thought of, planned for and implemented properly, becomes the real worship of the entire church. Being involved in the Liturgy Committee in our parish, I was able to share my God given talents to plan for and implement the renewal in the liturgy as initiated by Vatican II - "The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy" - a full and active participation in the celebration of the Eucharist. Consequently, with the Liturgy follows the work of the people, hence we are sent forth to "Love and serve the Lord".

Service to the people of God, with charity, humility and love - is another driving force for me to become a permanent deacon. This could be very well fulfilled through the grace of ordination to the diaconate, by organizing the laity and empowering them with their God-given baptismal commission to do the work of Christ here on earth.

Service ministry currently involved in:

My current service ministry is the Ministry for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse called: "No More Secrets" ministry. The ministry calls on the Diocese of Oakland to address with integrity the harsh realities of sexual abuse in pastoral settings. Basically, the ministry involves survivors of clergy sexual abuse, laypersons and clergy to work together to support and empower the survivors in their healing process and promote the acceptance of survivors; to educate the church in order to transform attitudes and bring community awareness of the issues surrounding clergy sexual abuse; and to create, sustain and insure the implementation of policies de signed to prevent abuse, and to hold abusers accountable.

I was inspired and called to serve in this ministry after Sister Barbara Flannery and some of the survivors of clergy sexual abuse gave a presentation and shared their stories to the diaconate class in formation. From then on, my wife Yolly and I became actively involved in all the activities and mission of the ministry. To me, this is a very rewarding and educational ministry that continues to help me grow spiritually and learn to be more patient and understanding.