by Kara Hansen
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Guy Berry might have learned a thing or two in the military that will come in handy in his upcoming role as a deacon.
“In the military you spend a lot of time looking at a problem in lots of different ways to come up with a solution,” said Berry. “Plus, I don’t have a problem with hierarchy. Wherever I’m sent, I’ll go. Whatever Father wants, he gets.”
Berry, a former Lutheran, converted to Catholicism in 2001.
“What I like about the Catholic Church is that it is truth,” said Berry. “The magisterium is important, and that body of truth doesn’t sway much with the times. That makes a big difference between us and Protestant sects.”
Often stationed overseas during his years in the military, Berry did not have much opportunity to meet deacons until he was stationed at Fort Leavenworth. There he met a deacon at St. Ignatius Chapel who encouraged him to apply for the newly forming diaconate program in the archdiocese.
“And here I am,” said Berry. “I’m looking forward to serving. Our pastors are busy fellows, and I hope I can help them and spread some of the love.”
Profile
Name: Guy Berry Parish: St. Joseph/St. Lawrence, Easton
Age: 62
Family members and ages: wife, Virginia; children: Guy III, 38; Christine, 36; William, 35; eight grandchildren
Occupation: military contractor
Favorite food: Mom’s “Italian” spaghetti (cooked by a Swede!)
Something people might be surprised to learn about me: I haven’t always been Catholic.
Favorite saint: St. Ignatius of Loyola (another soldier who “saw the light”)
If I could visit a period of church history, it would be: We make church history every day. I’m content with fighting the good fight now.
Favorite book (nonreligious): “Once an Eagle,” by Anton Myrer
Hobby: home repair
