Monsignor Donald T. Bennett, pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hicksville, recently appointed George A. Mais permanent deacon following his ordination by Bishop William Murphy. As deacon, Mais' duties will include moderating the church's baptismal preparation program, assisting with marriage preparation and adult education as well as assisting the parish priests with their clerical duties.

"I plan to work diligently for the good people of St. Ignatius and try to help the church grow stronger in these troubled times," said Mais.

Mais attended high school at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Patterson, NJ and studied to become a teaching brother in the Salesian Order but did not take his vows.

"I wanted to become a priest when I was a small boy but for some reason I put it off," said Mais. "Now I am as close as possible to that noble calling. I want to spend the rest of my life in God's service to thank Him for the many blessings He has given me."

Mais attended Brooklyn Polytechnic and studied computer science with the University of Phoenix. Additionally, he served with the 42nd Artillery Battalion and was stationed overseas during Vietnam. He is retired from Verizon Communications, Inc., where he worked as a computer analyst.

Mais, 64, has been both a Eucharistic minister and a lecturer for some 25 years. He and his wife, Margaret, have seven children and eight grandchildren.