Deacon Mel Tardy ’86, ’90 MBA
Deacon Mel Tardy ’86, ’90 MBA, couldn’t imagine the meaningful work that unfolded in his life after he said yes to God’s calling.
I became a deacon in 2011 and it has transformed my marriage, my approach to service as an academic advisor, and how I serve at my parish. I have served at liturgies on campus and fostered a relationship with Campus Ministry regarding ministry to Black Catholics. In July 2022, that resulted in Notre Dame hosting the annual national joint conference of Black Catholic clergy and religious on campus.
“In all of this, I have humbly learned that God’s imagination is far beyond the plans we would ever make for ourselves. I am sure Mary and Joseph felt the same way as they received the gift of Jesus on that first Christmas so long ago because when you say yes to God, you can’t worry if the path is immediately visible. It’s there, even when we can’t yet see it. So just walk, have faith, and God will do the rest.”
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God hears us in all we do..we just have to talk to him
God bless you Deacon Mel! Your service to students and to your church do not go unnoticed. You are appreciated more than you will ever know.
Thank you Deacon Mel!
Ask God, walk in faith, wait and God will do the rest! Wise words – Merry Merry Christmas
A beautiful and inspiring message. Thank you, sincerely, for sharing.
Love your story.
Thank you for sharing Deacon Mel. This is a truly inspirational story of how God always makes the path for us. Merry Christmas!
“when you say yes to God, you can’t worry if the path is immediately visible. It’s there, even when we can’t yet see it. So just walk, have faith, and God will do the rest.” I appreciate these words very much. These words will be uppermost in my mind and heart for the rest of the year, at least. Thank You.
Deacon Mel, thank you for sharing your inspiring path to becoming a Deacon and reminding us that God has a unique plan for each of us. We just need to trust and remain steadfast in our faith. A Merry Christmas to you and your family! – Cheryl Ann ‘87,94
Deacon Mel: your inspirational story illustrates the power of prayer and your strong faith in a loving God. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. You are a blessing to the Catholic Church in general and to Notre Dame and your parish in particular. May God continue to bless your fruitful ministry.
I was so touched by your story….having faith in that path that God puts us on is not always easy but He journeys with us. He is our protection and our hope.
Thank you!
This was one of my favorite sacred stories. When Deacon Mel said that “God’s imagination far surpasses any plans we would ever make for ourselves”, I got up from my chair and wrote it down on a post-it note to keep on my kitchen shelf. Great thought and I will read it every day for a reminder to trust in God.
Deacon Mel,
Thanks for such a wonderful story. “Just walk, have faith, and God will do the rest…” THAT is a fantastic encapsulation of how Jesus calls us to come to him. There’s a line from a country music song back in the 90s, “If you wanna hear God laugh, tell Him your plan”. I think you’d get a chuckle out of that, because His imagination for us is indeed greater than we can fathom. God bless and keep you as you move forward in your ministerial life…
Hi Deacon Mel! I was a student in 2002-2006 and I remember you in the advising program. What a beautiful story you shared and how wonderfully God has used your gifts and talents to keep making a difference in your parish community and in your global ND and Catholic family. Thanks for the lovely reminder of saying yes to God and then letting him work his magic to transform our lives into something even more! God bless and Merry Christmas!
“Just walk, have faith and God will do the rest”. Thank you, Deacon Mel, for that powerful message.
Thank you Mel for sharing your call and achieving your heart’s desire.
When I was 9 I wanted to become an altar server and memorized all the responses in Latin, in the 40’s it was not possible for girls.
Now it is but women are still unable to become deacons which is something I also felt called to do.
Although I couldn’t go to ND in 1956 either, I married a Domer and we have a total of 7 Domers in our immediate family!
God bless you and your family.
Marilyn Woidat
7 Domers! Bless you and give thanks to the Lord’s blessings to you and yours.
This is a wonderful story!! We love you Mel!!!
“Just walk”…thank you for this and a Merry Christmas!
Thank you for this powerful message, Deacon Mel, and for your service.
Deacon Tardy was my advisor during my freshman year. I didn’t meet with him much but I found his calm confidence inspired confidence in me. ND and the student body is very lucky to have him and his wisdom. Merry Christmas all!
Deacon Mel,
Thank you for inspiring words and service to our faith!
Walk by faith and not by sight. Jesus will be with us every step of the way as we trod the path that it is his will that we should walk. Jesus, I trust you.
Merry Christmas, Mel!
Thank you for a very inspirational story. Best of luck on your continued journey.
Dan Ribic
NDMBA 1990