John Ryals, Jr.

If you are reading this because you are interested in the Diaconate Formation program, I invite you to “Come and See!” Take a step of faith to see if the Lord is calling you to expand your service to the Church. 

Regarding my background, I begin with an acknowledgement to the Lord for leading me to and through every step, every achievement, and every road travelled.  His guidance throughout my life has prepared me for future service to Him through the Church.  Looking backward and forward, I have learned that the life I’ve led is not my own (1 Cor 6:19).

My wife, Cindy, and I have been married since 1989.  We met while attending Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.  We have been blessed with two amazing daughters, Katelynn and Sarah, who followed in their mother’s footsteps as Catholic school elementary teachers.  After completing graduate school, I became licensed as a Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist and have worked with at-risk youths and families who are involved in the juvenile justice system since 1995. 

Throughout our marriage, Cindy and I have served various Church parishes in several capacities from lectors to Eucharistic ministers to Marriage Preparation Ministry coordinators.  It is with great joy and excitement that I answered the Lord’s call to enter the Diocese of Baton Rouge5's Diaconate Formation Program.  I look forward to the opportunity to continuing the most rewarding service I have ever experienced as I prepare to become a Permanent Deacon.