Deacon Wally Calabrese was born and raised in Michigan before entering the United States Marine Corps in 1987. After a distinguished 20-year career, he retired as a Gunnery Sergeant in 2007. During his service, he met and married the love of his life, Amy, in 1992. Together they have been blessed with two daughters, now grown, married, and raising families of their own.
Guided by Amy’s steadfast faith and his own deepening conversion, Wally’s love for the Church continued to grow throughout his military career. He completed a Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology and discerned a call to ordained ministry. He was ordained a deacon for the Catholic Church on June 26, 2010.
Deacon Wally serves joyfully in parish ministry and evangelization and is a Catholic speaker who presents parish missions, retreats, and formation programs for deacons, candidates, clergy, and the lay faithful. His preaching and teaching emphasize that every baptized person is called to live and love as Christ the Servant in the world.
He is the author of two acclaimed books:
Embodied in Service, Emboldened by Grace — a Readers’ Favorite 5-Star theological and pastoral exploration of the diaconate and the Church’s call to service
The Apostles and Me! — a 5-Star devotional introducing the apostles as relatable companions in discipleship
He has also written two formation booklets widely used in parish and catechetical settings:
In every setting — whether in the sanctuary, the classroom, or a retreat hall — Deacon Wally is dedicated to helping the People of God grow in discipleship, deepen their relationship with Christ, and joyfully embrace their mission of service in the Church and in the world.
