My name is Jose Luis Rodriguez. I had my own plans for my life, but I told the Lord, if you want me to be a deacon, show me the way, and he did so, because every year during the formation process he reaffirmed that was the way through the scrutiny, an evaluation of the formation with diaconate program leaders. 

A truck driver for Guillen Trucking in St. Paul, I was already serving my parish, Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Minneapolis, when I learned about the diaconate vocation and decided to discern it myself. Formation was challenging, because, as an immigrant from El Salvador, English is my second language. But I persevered, and the language barrier lessened over time. The formation process for the diaconate has been rewarding since I have grown more as a person and my spiritual life has taken a considerable turn towards the knowledge of the divine. My aim is to help people to draw close to God, configured in Christ the servant, especially through sharing the Church’s teachings through catechism and evangelization. 

My wife, Marlene Rodriguez Batres, and I have three adult children and four grandchildren. My family always supports me morally and spiritually through prayer and collaborating in whatever is necessary. I especially look to two saints as models, St. Therese of Lisieux, because she considers herself a small soul that needs a lot of help; I identify with her. And St. Teresa of Kolkata, for serving those most in need. I want to follow her example. I want to offer my life in service to the Church to collaborate with the mission of the Church in the world.