We have another first for the Listen Quickly blog. Deacon Alfred Ardon becomes the first deacon to respond to my seven questions. Deacon Al is in his second year of formation to become a Roman Catholic Deacon. He lives in Kingston, Washington and records his thoughts on his blog A Cascade Catholic. If you would like to participate, please respond to the seven questions and email them to me at fellmananthony@gmail.com. In the meantime, enjoy Deacon Al's responses.

1. What is the biggest challenge to your faith that you have faced so far?
The biggest challenge to my faith has been the way things are heading in our country. It’s hard to believe sometimes. People and attitudes bring you down. I have to remind myself no matter how bad it gets, God is still in control.

2. What scripture do you find yourself turning to most often?
Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

3. How do you think God is revealing his presence to us in the world today?
Sunrise and Sunsets. A thing to remember, God holds all things together in himself. If he for one second did not, we’d vanish in a nano-second.

4. Do you have a book that you would recommend to people trying to develop their spirituality?
Spiritual Direction by Henri Nouwan or Experience of God, Pray the Scriptures with Lectio Divina

5. Why do you think bad things happen to good people?
Bad or Evil is the absence of good. I have no idea. We all have to get back to God somehow, some way. We all are subject to the laws of nature and chance. I do think the experience can lead us to a stronger version of ourselves.

6. What have you found is the most effective way to introduce the word of God to a nonbeliever?
Your actions. They speak louder than words. Non-believers are as close to believing as we are to non-believing.

7. Do you have a favorite saint and if so, why?
St. Peter – He’s my patron saint. We have lots in common. We have our moments of glory as well as moments of blunder.