“Catholic schools gave me the tools to recognize God’s presence and respond to his call."
Deacon John Ferraro’s life has been deeply shaped by Catholic schools, from his early days as a student at Guardian Angels Catholic School in Denver and Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora to his work as a teacher at his alma mater, Regis Jesuit. Now, he serves as a deacon and hospital chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital, as well as on an as-needed basis with Emmaus Catholic Hospice. As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, his story is a powerful testament to the lifelong impact of faith-based education.
Growing up in Denver, Deacon Ferraro first encountered the foundations of faith that would guide his journey at Guardian Angels and Regis Jesuit High School.
“It was there that seeds of prayer and service were planted in my heart,” he said.
Serving as an altar boy further nurtured his love for the liturgy, sparking an early connection to ministry.
After graduating from high school, Deacon Ferraro’s path led to Creighton University, a Jesuit college in Omaha, Nebraska. His time there expanded his understanding of Ignatian spirituality, which views God as active and present in all aspects of life.
“The Jesuit emphasis on seeing God in all things really shaped my worldview,” Deacon Ferraro shared. “I was drawn to their commitment to service and education.”
Inspired by the example of Jesuit priests, Deacon Ferraro entered Jesuit formation after college, where he embraced ministry and teaching. During his Regency, a period of active service within Jesuit formation, he began teaching at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha.
“That’s where I fell in love with Catholic education,” he said. “It wasn’t just about academics; it was about forming the whole person.”
Although he discerned that Jesuit life was not his calling, Deacon Ferraro’s passion for Catholic education endured. He taught at Roncalli Catholic High School in Omaha and later returned to Denver in 2001, where he joined the faculty at Regis Jesuit High School. Over two decades at Regis, Deacon Ferraro served as a theology teacher and campus minister.
“Being in campus ministry allowed me to accompany students on their faith journeys,” he said. “I saw firsthand how Catholic schools can shape young people.”
Deacon Ferraro’s work included organizing retreats, planning liturgies and fostering a culture of service, all of which deepened his appreciation for the unique role of Catholic education in forming disciples.
It was during his time at Regis Jesuit that he discerned a call to the diaconate.
“I initially thought, ‘I’m already doing what deacons do,’ but God had other plans,” he explained.
Since his ordination in 2019, Deacon Ferraro has found that his ministry as a deacon builds upon his experiences in Catholic schools.
“The humility and openness I learned as a teacher and campus minister have been essential in my ordained ministry,” he shared.
In 2021, Deacon Ferraro transitioned from education to chaplaincy, a move he describes as “a calling within a calling.” As a night chaplain at Saint Joseph Hospital, he draws on his Ignatian training to guide patients through their spiritual struggles.
“The discernment of spirits, a key part of Ignatian spirituality, helps me walk with people as they navigate moments of grace and challenge,” he said.
Throughout his life, Deacon Ferraro has seen the transformative power of Catholic education, not only in his students but also in himself.
“Catholic schools gave me the tools to recognize God’s presence and respond to his call,” he said.
Looking back, Deacon Ferraro attributes much of his vocation to the educators and mentors who influenced him, from his parents, who modeled faith in action, to the priests who encouraged him to consider his calling.
“My mom instilled in me the importance of prayer, and my dad showed me how to put my faith into action,” he said.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, Deacon Ferraro’s journey reminds us that these institutions are more than places of learning. They are communities that inspire faith, service and a lifelong commitment to Christ.
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