For Deacon Ed Ramos, service and faith have always been closely intertwined. Growing up in a military family, his early life was filled with constant movement, cultural transitions, and a deeply rooted sense of duty. Born in Puerto Rico, Deacon Ramos’ childhood was shaped by his father’s 32-year career in the United States Air Force. “We moved every two-to-three years, so I got used to change,” he recalls. “But the one thing that never changed was our connection to the Church. No matter where we were, the Catholic faith was our foundation.”
Catholic chapels on military bases became spiritual homes for the Ramos family, serving as a place of refuge and offering a sense of community amid their frequent relocations. “Faith wasn’t just something we practiced on Sundays – it was woven into our daily lives,” Deacon Ramos says.
Yet, Deacon Ramos’ path to the diaconate was far from linear. It was filled with unexpected turns, moments of doubt, and a profound willingness to serve – no matter the cost.
Deacon Ramos’ relationship with the Church began during his childhood years in San Antonio, Texas. He recalls the lively liturgies at his parish, where guitar music and mariachi bands accompanied worship, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. “That energy was something I never forgot,” he says. “The Church always felt alive, full of hope and possibility.”
This early sense of connection to faith stayed with Deacon Ramos as his family moved from Texas to Alabama, Puerto Rico, California, and even Athens, Greece, where he completed high school. His frequent exposure to different cultures and traditions broadened his understanding of faith and community. “Being so close to these historical places really heightened my appreciation for the Church’s long and rich history,” he says.
Following his father’s example, Deacon Ramos joined the Air Force after college, where he was stationed in California, Sicily, and Belgium. His time abroad was pivotal to his spiritual growth. It was during these years that he began to feel a deep pull toward serving the Church in a more formal capacity.
“I was always active in the church – on pastoral councils, helping with services – but something shifted during my time in Europe,” he reflects. “I began to pray more intentionally, started reading about the lives of the saints, and even led a men’s faith group. I was drawn to a deeper spiritual life.”
This spiritual awakening led Deacon Ramos to consider seriously the priesthood. Encouraged by his family and friends, he entered the seminary, convinced that his calling was to become a priest. But, as is often the case with faith journeys, God had other plans.
While studying at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Deacon Ramos met the woman who would later become his wife. “It was one of those moments when you realize that life is steering you in a different direction,” he says. “We became close friends, and before long, I knew I was falling in love.”
For Deacon Ramos, the decision to leave the seminary wasn’t easy. “I loved the Church, and I loved the idea of being a priest,” he admits. “But I felt like God was showing me a different path, one that included marriage and family.”
After much discernment, he made the difficult choice to leave the seminary. “It was like I was standing on a train platform, watching the train pull away, and I had to decide – do I get on this train and see where it takes me, or do I stay where I am and wonder what might have been?”
In 1991, Deacon and Mrs. Ramos were married, and together they built a life centered on faith and service. They raised three children, two sons who went on to serve in the Army, and a daughter who now works for the federal government. Throughout it all, Deacon Ramos remained deeply involved in his parish, serving as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and active participant in the Knights of Columbus.
But the call to serve in a deeper way never left him.
Years later, when Mrs. Ramos was offered a job at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, the couple relocated to Harford County. Deacon Ramos retired from teaching and found himself with more time to dedicate to his faith. He began attending daily Mass and volunteering at the Perry Point VA Medical Center, where he ministered to veterans.
“I realized how much I missed being involved in ministry on a deeper level,” he says. “Visiting the sick, bringing the Eucharist to people who couldn’t attend Mass – it filled me with a sense of purpose.”
It wasn’t long before Ed felt the call to pursue the diaconate. Encouraged by his parish priests and other deacons, he entered the formation program for permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Returning to seminary in his sixties was not without challenges. “It was tough,” he admits. “I hadn’t been in school for years, and the academic work was rigorous. On top of that, some medical conditions made it difficult for me to read theological texts, especially with my eyesight issues. There were times when I thought about giving up.”
But through it all, Mrs. Ramos stood by his side, offering unwavering support. “Every time I felt like quitting, she’d tell me to pray about it, to trust that if this was truly my calling, God would make a way. And she was right.”
On May 18, 2024, at the age of 66, Ed Ramos was ordained a permanent deacon, a moment was both humbling and affirming. “I couldn’t believe it,” he says. “Who am I that God should choose me to serve in this way? It’s an overwhelming feeling of grace.”
Today, Deacon Ramos serves at the Pastorate of St. Stephen-Holy Spirit in Baltimore County, where his ministry is marked by humility, compassion, and a fervent sense of hope. Whether he’s assisting at Mass, proclaiming the Gospel, visiting the sick, or leading Bible studies, his focus is always on serving others.
“For me, ministry is about being present for people,” he explains. “It’s about meeting them where they are, whether they’re in a hospital bed, preparing for marriage, or navigating a personal crisis. My job is to bring them closer to God, to remind them that they are loved, no matter what.”
One of the ministries closest to Deacon Ramos’ heart is his work with the Perry Point VA Medical Center. “There’s something sacred about being with people in their most vulnerable moments,” he says. “Taking the Eucharist to those who can’t attend Mass, praying with them, sharing their burdens – it’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.”
Deacon Ramos also sees his role as a deacon as a source of hope for the Church, particularly in light of the challenges the Church has faced in recent years. “The Church has been through so much – scandals, loss of trust – but deacons can be a symbol of resilience,” he says. “We’re here to show people that the Church is still worth fighting for, that there’s still so much good happening in our parishes.”
As he continues his ministry, Deacon Ramos is filled with gratitude for the opportunities he’s been given. Whether it’s officiating at his first wedding, preparing young couples for marriage, or leading a funeral service, he looks forward to each new chance to serve his community.
“What I love most about being a deacon is that every day is different,” he says. “One day I’m visiting the sick, the next I’m teaching eighth graders interview skills. It’s never boring, and it always feels like I’m exactly where God wants me to be.”
His advice to others who may be considering a vocation, “Don’t be afraid to ask God what He wants for your life,” he says. “It’s not about what we want – it’s about being open to what God is calling us to do. And when you find that calling, there’s no greater joy.”
For Deacon Ramos, being a deacon isn’t just a role – it’s a way of living out his faith in every moment, serving others with love and humility. “It’s a blessing,” he says simply. “And I’m grateful for it every day.”
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