‘Taking the blessings in my marriage into my other vocation of the diaconate.’
As one of the Diocese of Parramatta’s newest permanent deacons, Deacon Charles Hyson is grateful that he can give back to God for the blessings in his life by serving the community.
The permanent diaconate is an ordained ministry separate from the priesthood and laity. The deacon can be married or single and helps with the liturgical and pastoral work of the Church by peaching, distributing the Eucharist and assisting in baptisms, weddings and funerals.
Although it’s been less than a year since he was ordained by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, Deacon Charles always had a desire to serve Christ at the altar. In India, he was an altar server in his youth, and when he and his wife Maria migrated to Australia in 1996, he became an acolyte at their parish in Auburn.
Bishop Vincent led the Mass for the ordination of Charles Hyson to the permanent diaconate at St Patrick’s Cathedral on 7 December. Image: Jazz Chalouhii/ Diocese of Parramatta
He continued his acolyte ministry when their growing family moved to St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong, where he described he was “doing almost everything” a deacon does in a parish outside of celebrating the sacraments.
After a ski trip in 2017, the family decided to attend Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration. It was during this Mass when a voice asked, “Charles, what will you do for me?” that he answered the call to serve Christ more through the Permanent Diaconate.
“I’ve been blessed with so much by God, and the only way I can share this blessing is to give my time to Him and for His people,” Deacon Charles explained.
“I had seen the Permanent Diaconate advertised, and I spoke to Monsignor Ron [McFarlane, former parish priest] about it. He told me to keep praying about it, because if that was my desire and calling, it’ll happen.”
Deacon Charles has been blessed and privileged to be serving the community of St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie, since April 2023.
“The prayers, love and support I receive from Fr Joby [Ittira] and the parishioners is important to me as it helps and energises me to serve Jesus and his people.
“To be a deacon is to serve. Yes, you are at the altar, but I am called to reflect the face of Jesus in the community – I’m called to be His hands, His feet, His ears, His eyes.”
Alongside the joys of administering the Sacrament of Baptism, Deacon Charles has found a real joy in ministering to those in aged care.
Every Sunday, he visits two aged care facilities and takes communion to 11 residents after 8am Mass. Over the years, he has become close with those he ministers to that even if he is a minute late to see them, they ask where he has been.
Charles Hyson giving his thanksgiving speech after being ordained to the permanent diaconate at St Patrick’s Cathedral on 7 December. Image: Jazz Chalouhii/ Diocese of Parramatta
“It’s very humbling to be ministering to those in aged care because you are an instrument of Christ, and you are bringing Christ to His people.
“Seeing their face light up when you visit them, have a chat, hear their stories and then give them communion, it makes your day, but it also humbles you and gives you perspective.”
Alongside his vocation to the diaconate, Deacon Charles’ vocation first and foremost is to his wife and to his two daughters.
“My wife and my children are gifts from God, and what I do for them is my gift, back to God,” he said.
“If I am able to do justice to this gift of marriage from God, then I can take all these blessings into my other vocation of the diaconate.”
“There is a flow-on effect – if my marriage and family are struggling, I cannot do justice to my diaconate ministry. This is because I need their support on this journey, as I’m not ministering alone.”
Deacon Charles said his wife Maria has been “a very strong support”.
“She continues to be the backbone for my ministry. She prays a lot for me and she has good words of wisdom.”
Charles Hyson and his wife Maria. He will be ordained a permanent deacon on 7 December. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Even though he ministers at Toongabbie and their parish is Marayong, every Saturday morning, Deacon Charles and Maria go to Mass at St Andrew’s.
“It’s our commitment to each other that we can still celebrate our faith together as a couple,”: he said.
“Our family prayer is also a non-negotiable. I travel a lot for work, and wherever I am in the world, I always make sure that we as a family say our prayers together in the evening.”
The support of the Diocese’s diaconate community has been unbelievable as they have walked the same journey as him.
“They are truly my second family,” Deacon Charles said, adding that as the diaconate involves men with families, children and grandchildren, they can relate to his own situation.
“They are very encouraging and if I do struggle, they say keep praying and keep looking to Jesus for help.
“Having formation every month and gathering with the deacons and their wives is something amazing.”
Bishop Vincent Long and members of permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Parramatta with Charles Hyson (standing to the left of Bishop Vincent) after the Mass. Image: Jazz Chalouhii/Diocese of Parramatta
Deacon Charles said joining the Permanent Diaconate was all about the journey, not the destination.
“In sharing my story with other men in the community, they ask me how I manage my busy work schedule, theological study, family commitments and parish work.
“I tell them, if this is what God has called you to, He will give you the strength. He will lay it out for you. All you have to do is say, ‘yes’.”
Deacon Charles offered a valuable tip for those discerning their vocation.
“I would recommend a spiritual companion – someone to talk to, share your experiences and struggles in your faith life and to encourage you that you are human,” he said
“You need to put your desires at the feet of the Lord and really pray about it. Find someone to talk to about what you are feeling, so they can guide you in the right direction.
“Be honest with yourself and be honest with God.”
As we mark National Vocations Awareness Week (3-10 August 2025), may these stories inspire all of us to listen more deeply to God’s call, wherever it may lead.
If you would like to know more about the Permanent Diaconate, visit Discern My Vocation.
This invitation aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Listening, Dialogue and Discernment, and Formation; as we strive to be a Church renewed in spirit and prayer.
