It’s been 30 years since Deacon Richard T. Smith was ordained in the Catholic church, the last 19 of which he’s spent serving the Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills.
Better known as “Deacon Dick” by Ascension parishioners, 84-year-old Smith preached during the masses of Oct. 5 and 6, sharing a message of love and reminding the congregation that the journey of faith is about striving for eternal life.
“I’m very grateful for all the people that I’ve met over these years, especially all the support I get from the parishioners,” Smith said. “The whole community supports me in a lot that I do, and I’m very grateful for that.”
