Deacon John Freund
Deacon
Email Address
deaconjff@sbcglobal.net
Phone Number
630.355.8980, x225
Address
1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563
A Life Changed by the Holy Spirit
Deacon John and his wife, Liz, have been married for 48 years and recently moved to Naperville to be closer to their two daughters and four granddaughters. Living near St. Thomas the Apostle, they quickly found a spiritual home in the parish’s welcoming community, vibrant liturgies, and strong participation from families of all ages.
A pivotal moment in Deacon John’s faith journey came in 1989 through a Life in the Spirit Seminar. Experiencing God’s love in a profound way transformed his life and awakened a desire to go deeper in his faith. That journey eventually led him to diaconate formation. More than 30 years ago, he interviewed for the diaconate program at St. Thomas with Deacon Will Worden and was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Joliet in 1997.
Deacon John’s Ministries
For nearly three decades, Deacon John has served in the three-fold ministry of the diaconate:
- Liturgy (Mass and sacramental ministry)
- Word (preaching, teaching, and evangelization)
- Charity (outreach ministry, prison and jail ministry, nursing homes, hospitals, and pastoral care)
Throughout his years of service, Deacon John has been blessed to participate in many forms of ministry. What he treasures most are the relationships formed with people of all ages while walking with them in faith.
Deacon John’s Message to Visitors of St. Thomas
“Whether you’re exploring your faith, returning to the Church, or looking for a parish home, I invite you to encounter Christ—or allow Christ to encounter you. The Holy Spirit is always at work, drawing us closer to God’s love.”
~ Deacon John Freund
Deacon John’s Message to Parishioners of St. Thomas
“Liz and I are grateful to be part of this faith-filled community. Together, may we continue to make the Kingdom of God more fully present in Naperville, throughout the Diocese of Joliet, and beyond.”
~ Deacon John Freund
