Father Deacon Jim Sofalvi, who grew up at St. Michaels Byzantine Catholic Church, for a long while considered entering the priesthood. He "put it on hold," as he tells the story, when he began working full time and going to college. After marrying Linda in 1987, the priesthood became an impossibility. But Jim, who is ever the vigilant and stable man, never gave up his dream. It was suggested that he consider becoming a deacon, who are allowed to be married. Flattered when it was suggested, Jim accepted the nomination for deacon candidate with pride and began studying for the diaconate in 1999. In August 2003, on his 52nd birthday, he was ordained in a two-hour ceremony at St Michael's. He is the first deacon in the history of the parish. Jim was a prime candidate for the diaconate because of his dedication and devotion to the Church, not only attending services but helping with the Liturgy, serving on the parish council, volunteering at bingo, and teaching religious education. A 1969 graduate of Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School, Jim earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from the University of Toledo and has worked at the Toledo Blade for over 38 years. He studied at SS. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, attending a two-week session each summer and taking correspondence courses the rest of the year. He and Linda, have a daughter, Marissa.