Deacon Ryan, known for his arrangement of the “I Thirst For You” chaplet, is a young and engaging permanent deacon. Originally from Cherry Grove, Alberta, Canada, he is currently located in Irving, TX. Deacon Ryan is married to his wife of 19 years, Anna. He has a foster son, daughter, and four granddaughters. Deacon Ryan recently completed a Masters Degree in Divinity.
Deacon Ryan transitioned into full time ministry after approximately 25 years in public safety. Deacon Ryan spent the majority of his career in law enforcement, both as an officer on the street and as a chaplain. He has served as a flight instructor in the Canadian Forces, a homicide detective with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and as a ground and medivac paramedic. He took a hiatus from law enforcement, serving his diocese in various roles, including Executive Director of Youth Camps and Chancellor. He is currently the Faith Formation (Men) and Retreats Minister for the University of Dallas. He facilitates 3 retreats per year, provides spiritual direction, serves as the staff advisor to the University of Dallas Men’s Society and Jerome Hall, coordinates outreach to students suffering from challenges with chastity, amongst numerous other ministries.
Deacon Ryan serves at the Church of the Incarnation in Irving, TX. While his ministry at the University of Dallas and the Church of the Incarnation has kept him busy, as he has time he engages in ministry on Instagram, leading the rosary and morning/evening prayer. He is known for embodying the Benedictine charism of hospitality, greeting all those who pray with him by name, and seeking to come to know all who pray with him. The prayer community seeks to learn to love with agape love, lifting up every intention that is brought to each rosary.
An engaging and passionate homilist, Deacon Ryan also loves to speak or lead parish missions about the diaconate, juggling family and ministry, the Rosary, living out our faith while maintaining fidelity to the teachings of the church, and forming intentional prayer communities. A convert to the faith, Deacon Ryan shares his conversion story, focusing on how the Holy Spirit spoke (and continues to speak) through his wife, and how his first love was for our Lady, who led him to her Son, Jesus Christ. He enjoys praying numerous forms of the rosary and different chaplets, and is excited to share the “I Thirst For You” chaplet with the faithful.