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 CHRIS HALLIWELL
Assigned: Holy Savior, Clinton
Spouse: Sandy Halliwell
Hometown: Clinton
Were you raised Catholic, or did you convert to the faith? The quick answer is yes and yes. I was baptized in a Catholic parish as an infant in Hartford, Connecticut. I even received my first communion at the age of seven or eight. But I would have to say that my parents weren’t practicing their Catholic faith very consistently. Eventually they walked away from attending church altogether (and I with them). I joined a small Baptist church in my late twenties with the birth of my children. Twenty-four years I ago I returned to the Catholic Church in Clinton with my wife Sandy. I completed my initiation sacraments 20 years ago with the sacrament of Confirmation.
Can you share a moment or journey that deepened your faith or drew you closer to the Church? One journey that deeply strengthened my faith was discerning the call to the diaconate itself. What began as a quiet invitation in prayer slowly became something I could not ignore. Through years of formation, study, service, and honest self-examination, I came to see how patiently God works in ordinary life. There were moments of doubt, times of feeling unworthy, and seasons when balancing family, work (although thankfully I am now retired), and ministry was challenging. Yet in each step, the Lord met me through the sacraments, the support of my wife and family, and the encouragement of the Church community. I found that faith grows less through dramatic moments and more through daily fidelity.
Would you share your vocation story, how did you get called to the diaconate? I think I first heard the call nine, ten years ago. My former paster, Fr. Thomas McGing (now retired) suggested that I consider applying to the previous class of deacon aspirants. I was intrigued and certainly honored that my priest who I had been working closely with over the years would consider me a good candidate. But at that time I was still working full-time, and also about to be elevated to the Grand Knight position in the parish council of the Knights of Columbus. Simply put, I allowed doubts to creep in and laid that possibility aside. I pretty much put it out of my head at that point, although I certainly regretted my decision over the next four years. Fast forwarding to 2020, when I heard that the Diocese was putting together a new cohort of future aspirants, I jumped at the opportunity. I was getting a second chance by God to say “Yes”. It’s been the second best decision of my life. Of course marrying my wife Sandy was the first!
Where do you feel most called to serve as a deacon? At this time, I feel most called to serve in parish education (OCIA) and in a healing ministry. I have a desire to help others grow in their understanding of the faith, especially by making the teachings of the Church approachable and meaningful in everyday life. I also feel drawn to walk with those who are hurting—whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically—offering a listening ear, prayer, encouragement, and the compassionate presence of Christ. I have also come to love volunteering at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, where it has been a true joy and a reminder of the beauty, energy, and hope found in young hearts. Their enthusiasm and openness to faith have been a blessing to me. I believe the diaconate is a beautiful way to serve both by teaching the truth of the Gospel and by bringing Christ’s healing love to those in need.
How has your parish community supported you on this journey? My parish community has supported me in countless ways throughout this journey. They have encouraged me with their prayers, kindness, and steady belief in my vocation, especially during challenging seasons of formation. Many have offered wisdom, friendship, and opportunities to serve that helped me grow in confidence and humility. Their faithfulness has reminded me that no one answers God’s call alone. I am deeply grateful for a parish family that has walked beside me every step of the way.
What has been the most challenging or surprising during this journey? I’d say by far the schoolwork. I had been out of the college classroom almost forty years. Things have changed tremendously in higher education! In my previous work life I was an accountant. Accounting majors don’t have to write many college-level papers. I believe I wrote more papers in my first year of formation than I did in my previous life altogether. Needless to say, for graduate-level work, I needed a bit of brushing up on my writing skills. But once you get the routines down, it becomes much easier. I would spend about 10-12 hours a week on my studies on average. Very doable.
What would you say to someone who might be feeling called to the diaconate? I would say, do not be afraid to listen to that quiet invitation in your heart. A call to the diaconate often begins gently, through prayer, a desire to serve, or others recognizing gifts in you before you do. Take time to pray, speak with your family, and talk with trusted clergy or mentors. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. God does not call the “already prepared”—He prepares those He calls. If the Lord is inviting you, answering that call can become one of the greatest blessings of your life!
Who is your favorite saint and why? Saint John Vianney is my favorite saint because he demonstrated humility, sacrifice, and devotion to God through his ministry as a parish priest. What inspires me most was his tireless commitment to hearing confessions from the Catholic faithful. He spent countless hours in the confessional, often late into the night, guiding sinners back to God with patience, compassion, and wisdom. His dedication showed how deeply he valued repentance and the mercy of Christ. Despite physical exhaustion and personal struggles, he remained faithful to his calling. Saint John Vianney’s example reminds me of the importance of holiness, perseverance, and serving others.
What is your favorite religious liturgy of the year and why? By far I love the Easter Triduum services. I have worked closely with my parish OCIA program for the last dozen years, serving as a catechist, sponsor, and now director. Nothing brings me greater joy to help and watch new catholics joining the Church. It’s almost like watching your own children graduating high school or college. I get that same feeling when I see them accepting the Eucharist for that first time at the Easter Vigil. The Easter Vigil is my favorite Mass of the year. It truly is the “Super Bowl” of Catholic Liturgical services.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? I love sports….all sports, but baseball is my absolute favorite. I grew up up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Thus, I am a huge Pittsburgh Pirate, Steelers, Penguins fan. I also graduated from Ole Miss and love to watch the Rebels have success on the playing fields. Strangely, I have become a “cat lover”. I grew up with dogs, but thanks to my loving wife Sandy who loves cats, I too have taken to them…. almost as much as to my own children! Over the years we’ve probably had more than a dozen of these “fur babies” running the “Halliwell” household! Right now we have four!
Any children? Yes Sandy and I have four grown children….all boys! Obrien, Zach, Curtis and Kevin. We have three wonderful daughter-in-laws….Hannah, Samantha and Alexandria. We also have six grandchildren (3 boys and 3 girls). Hopefully God will bless us with even more!
Deacon’s wives Questions:
Name: Sandy Halliwell
What did you think when your husband first began to consider ordination? I had many questions, including what he wanted to do that he was not already doing, whether we would need to change parishes, and how would it affect our family life. Over time, I came to realize that this was a call from God and supporting his decision would bring many blessings to our marriage and others.
How has this journey shaped your marriage and your family life? It’s allowed us to share in more ministry areas of the church. This includes parish hospitality events, visiting shut-ins and the OCIA process. We have both grown spiritually due to increased learning and trusting the process. This has strengthened our marriage and deepened our faith together.
How has your parish supported your family during this time? Holy Savior friends have been supportive through prayer and words of encouragement.
Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why? After attending a retreat at St, Joseph Abbey, I was given a medal with the Benedictine cross that has a lot of meaning. It spoke to me because it is known for spiritual protection which brings me peace knowing that Christ triumphs over sin and death.
What is your favorite liturgy of the year and why? The Triduum, especially the Easter Vigil because of all the symbolism of light, fire, water and the return of the Alleluia! Reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus, the mass moves from darkness to light helping us experience the liturgy rather than simply hearing about it.