Deacon Blanke: ‘Not a long discernment’ before entering 2026 permanent diaconate class

Deacon Bill Blanke was among 16 men ordained to the permanent diaconate on August 8 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Blanke stated that he had not previously considered the permanent diaconate until a conversation in January 2022 with Deacon Gary Keepes. Blanke said he initially believed the meeting would concern the Catholic Medical Association, but Keepes instead encouraged him to consider the diaconate.

Blanke noted that he initially declined the idea because of his existing work life balance and the need for his wife's permission.