September 11, 2009
People of Faith
BY STEVE HALBIG
This is the first in a series on the new deacons of the diocese. They were ordained August 15 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville.
Deacon Emil Altmeyer, 68, is from Good Shepherd Church in Evansville. He has been appointed to diaconal service at St. Joseph Church in Evansville.
He retired two years ago from Ulrich Chemical, where he worked for 47 years, including the last nine years as manager.
He and his wife, Agnes, are the parents of three grown children.
A native of Evansville, Emil is a graduate of Lock-year Business College. He also attended the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana when it was known as Indiana State University-Evansville.
What prompted you to pursue this ministry? Had always thought about it because of the work he did at Good Shepherd. He has been a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and served on the Parish Council, the School Board and the Diocesan School Board. “You name it, I’ve done it,” he said.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life? The biggest influence in his life, he said, has been Father Ken Herr, a former pastor at Good Shepherd and a schoolmate of his at Memorial High School. Another big influence has been Father Ted Tempel, also a former pastor at Good Shepherd.
What are your goals as a deacon? Work needs to be done in getting people to church, he said. The number of Catholics who no longer attend is a big concern of his.
Do you have any favorite books you would recommend to others? He called “True Devotion to Mary” by Louis De Monfort very inspiring. A professor at St. Meinrad made him aware of it.
Do you have any routines in your spiritual life that you would recommend to others? The last four years he has developed the habit of praying “Liturgy of the Hours,” the official daily prayer of the Church. Saying that during the week, he said, is definitely helpful.