Deacon Dale Steffes

Deacon Dale  was born on May 2, 1933, in Olpe, Kansas.  On October 19, 1963,  Dale married Sandra Juergens in St. Monica’s Church in Kansas City.  Dale and Sandy moved to Houston, TX in 1968 and joined the St. John Vianney Parish on June 8,  of that same year. The parish at that time gathered for Mass in Meadowood Elementary School (affectionately called, St. Meadowood).

Deacon Dale was accepted into the first diocesan Permanent Diaconate class.  He studied at St. Mary’s Seminary and was ordained in 1972.  He trained in hospital chaplaincy, served as a licensed prison chaplain, and helped establish St. John Vianney parish’s first RCIA class. 

Deacon Dale helped plan the first parish picnic, participated in numerous groups such as the Knights of Columbus, the Men’s Club, TMIY, and many others.  His service extended to the Family Guild and CCE; he made numerous hospital visits, participated in and led retreats, and was a faithful attendant for Eucharistic Adoration.

Dale has led the weekly Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help since 1989.

Deacon Dale was also honored as Deacon of the Year by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Family was always central to Deacon Dale. He is survived by his wife Sandy, 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.