FOT host is new director of deacons in Des Moines diocese

Faith on Trial host Deacon Mike Manno has been named diocesan director of the diaconate by Bishop Richard Pates, bishop of the diocese of Des Moines. He officially starts as director May 15.


Deacon Mike opening "Right
to Life" day at the Iowa Capitol

Deacon Mike was ordained August 14, 2010 and serves St. Augustin Parish, Des Moines.  An attorney, he has hosted FOT since last May when the program began.  He also writes a monthly column for the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Mirror, and is the co-host for the bishop’s weekly program, In the Heartland with Bishop Pates.

He also serves as chaplain for Bridges of Iowa, a faith-based substance abuse treatment program and is also a board member for InnerVisions HealthCare, an unplanned pregnancy and STD medical clinic. He is the author of two murder mysteries, Murder Most Holy and End of the Line.  He lives in West Des Moines, Iowa with his wife, Luanne, and two “four-legged kids,” Bo and Buster.

He succeeds Deacon Michael Riley who has served as director for the past ten years and who announced his retirement this spring.  Named associate director was Deacon Fred Cornwell of Adair, Iowa.

Deacon Mike can be contacted at DeaconMike@IowaCatholicRadio.com