JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz ordained seven men to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Jackson on July 18, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. In the following profiles, the new deacons share their vocation stories, the people and experiences that shaped their faith, and their hopes for serving the people of the diocese.
DEACON WILLIAM VAUTROT
Assigned: St. Gregory the Great, Senatobia
Spouse: Ellen Vautrot
Hometown: Sunset, Louisiana
Were you raised Catholic, or did you convert to the faith? I was raised Catholic.
Can you share a moment or journey that deepened your faith or drew you closer to the Church?Attending a Catholic elementary school along with attending weekly Mass was foundational in helping me grow closer to the Church. Also, my faith was deepened when I felt called to be a Lector, while living in Memphis. I attended Lector classes. Then, the weekly preparation and going up to proclaim the Readings helped me to learn more about our faith. It was also a blessing as I was able to serve God and my community. I continued to serve in this manner when I moved to Mississippi.
Would you share your vocation story – how did you get called to the diaconate? After being involved in different ministries (Lector, Extraordinary Minister), St. Vincent De Paul, and prayer groups, I felt God’s call to the Deaconate. I was surprised and confirmed it in prayer and by praying at an Adoration Chapel. I then spoke with the Deacon at my Church. He informed me when the next cohort was forming to study for the Deaconate and I applied.
Where do you feel most called to serve as a deacon? I feel most called to serve in Parish ministry in the OCIA program and especially in the period after Easter. This is the time of Mystagogy and the Neophyte year when those adults who have gone through the Easter Vigil are entering the faith community and learning how to live out their faith. I also feel called to serve the homebound and young adults.
How has your parish community supported you on this journey? My Parish community has provided strong support to me. Our priests and the Knights of Columbus have been supportive personally and financially. Our local Church community has also been very encouraging. Many people asked me how my studies were going and have let me know they were praying for me as well.
What has been most challenging or surprising during this journey? The most challenging has been to re-enter academics after over 30 years from college graduation. The studies have been challenging but rewarding. I know it has deepened my faith by what I have learned and, in the struggle, I have grown closer to God as I relied on him for help.
What would you say to someone who might be feeling called to the diaconate? I would advise them to pray about it. Spend time in Adoration with Jesus at a holy hour or at an Adoration Chapel to confirm the call. Speak to your family and your pastor. Then, follow God’s leading.
Do you have a favorite Scripture passage and why? My favorite Scripture passage is Psalm 23. When I am concerned about something, it reminds me that I can have confidence that God is with me and will provide for me.
Who is your favorite saint and why? Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why? The image of the Divine Mercy with the words “Jesus, I trust in you”. It helps me to focus on Jesus and to walk in faith. I also like to give this prayer card to those I visit in hospitals as a way to strengthen their faith and console them.
Any children? Yes, I have one son. His name is Gabriel Joseph Vautrot.
Deacon’s wives questions:
Name: Ellen A. Vautrot
What did you think when your husband first began to consider ordination? I knew that if he was considering this that he was serious about it and had been contemplating for a long time. He always had my support because I knew he had discerned the prospect for quite some time. Just as he was in the Air Force, I supported him and the mission he committed to defending. Considering ordination, I knew this was the same kind of commitment, even stronger and had grown for a long time before acting on it. I’m happy that he has found his place in serving God and humanity.
How has this journey shaped your marriage and your family life? This journey has opened my eyes to so many possibilities in service. I look at the people at work differently. I look at our parishioners differently, not just coworkers or pew neighbors, but more in the way of supporting them in trials or triumphs they share with me. I’ve engaged in helping with things like a dish for a funeral, helping more with the Fall Fest fundraiser and helping to start a Ladies Group. All have been challenging but all have been rewarding.
How has your parish supported your family during this time? The parish has been so supportive with prayers and encouragement. The Knights of Columbus approved a small stipend to help with gas on the monthly trips to Jackson. Also, Deacon Ted was concerned that I would become a ‘pew widow’ sitting along while Bill served on the altar. He offer for me to sit with his wife, Anna, so I wouldn’t be alone at Mass all the time. I shared that I am perfectly fine by myself and enjoyed solitude and medication. Besides, I know most everyone who sits in our area, so I’m not really alone. I appreciated him considering our situation.
What has been most challenging or surprising during this journey? The challenge for me was the time and length of time for the process. We gave up a lot of time together, but we were still together. We tried to have balance but it was difficult.We worked through it. There was not much time for fixing things around the house, yard work took longer to do, but it still needed to get done. I made that my responsibility, as much as I could. Some things went undone for a while. I went home to visit family by myself because he couldn’t afford the time to be away from studies, papers, deadlines, etc. I made that my responsibility to represent our family and check on them for both of us. I prefer to do this together.
Do you have a favorite Scripture passage and why? John 1, 1:5. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God, and the Word was with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This passage brought me to the realization of what truly happened in the beginning in Genesis 1, 1. It helped me tie it all together – a light bulb moment, and that Jesus was there at that moment, ‘In the beginning’. It was a powerful realization that made me want to find out more. I just had to know more!
Who is your favorite saint and why? St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. There were many trials and challenges that I
reflected on as a young adult, wife of a serviceman, resettling in new places every few years, new jobs, life. Upon reflection after another life-changing situation, I realized that St. Joseph was somehow present. I felt that he was watching and hearing my prayers for help. Trusting Jesus and submitting to what he had waiting for me after situations developed/decisions made, I began to see a pattern and saw where St. Joseph was helping me through trials that were ever present. I was comforted in thinking that he could be watching over me/us and helping us through rough patches.
Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why? In recent years, I’ve developed a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mother. I think it really started at the time when she was appearing to the visionaries in Medjugorje. We were living in Spain at the time and it seemed so close. We did not get to go to Medjugorje, but were able to visit Lourdes and Fatima. Since, I’ve tried to learn more about her apparitions in different parts of the world. It’s made me remember the stories my grandmother would share about the shepherd children in Fatima. I came across a devotion to Her – Mary, Untier of Knots and Mary Take Over. Fascinating stories behind these devotions which made me want to learn more and be devoted to Her. I call on her often – she experienced so much in her beautiful life with Jesus. I realize that she would be able to understand what I feel and I could find comfort in praying to her for intercession in all situations I struggle with.
What is your favorite liturgy of the year and why? I think my favorite liturgy of the year would be Lent and Easter. I feel that preparation and walking through the passion of Jesus helps bring me closer to Him. Walking that journey in the wilderness, reflecting on what attachments have pulled me away from my focus on Him makes me to want to draw closer with him, be next to him as he journeys closer to the Passion. I try to put myself with the women who minister to him, or put myself with the apostles/disciples as they try to learn and understand what He is trying to teach to them and prepare them. It’s the time where I feel more immersed in scripture and the moment of the times.