BRAINTREE -- Most deacons describe their vocation as a calling from God.

For Deacon Vincent "Vinny" Gatto, it was like God knocked him over the head with it.

Deacon Gatto spent two decades discerning the diaconate, always deciding that it wasn't for him. A turning point came as he watched coverage of the funeral of Pope St. John Paul II. Seeing a man whose life was so profoundly shaped by the Gospel, and whose witness inspired millions, was a call he could no longer refuse. When he was ordained after four years of formation, however, he was still uncertain about his place in the Church. He has found that such uncertainty is common among men considering becoming deacons.

"It wasn't until I got out and began serving in the role that I was more certain, affirmed, and encouraged that this is what I should be doing," he said.

Deacon Gatto will share his experiences as part of the Archdiocese of Boston's Fall Diaconate Inquirer Program this year. The program will begin with a series of sessions for men considering the diaconate and their wives, educating them about the ministry. Couples will only have to attend one of these initial sessions, which are spread out in parishes throughout the archdiocese for convenience. Deacon Gatto will give a presentation about his ministry at his parish, St. Michael in North Andover, on Oct. 13.

"I would like to impart the reality of what it means to be a deacon," he said. "The challenges, the rewards, the way that a deacon is engaged, the way a deacon engages others in Christ, the challenges of growing personally in the life of the Spirit."

He wants to give men a "realistic approach" of how to balance their ministry with the obligations of their careers and families. After 14 years of ministry, deacon is a role that is as integral to Deacon Gatto's life as those of husband, father, and grandfather.

"It's not spelled out," he said. "The person has to fall into it, and to see my own ministry take shape and feel and believe that Christ has been guiding me and empowering me in different ways and different times is amazing."

The initial sessions will last from Oct. 13 to 25. A second meeting for men still interested in becoming deacons will take place at the Archdiocese of Boston Pastoral Center in Braintree on Nov. 14 from 9 to 10 a.m. This meeting will determine if men are canonically eligible to become deacons. It is highly recommended that men attend the first two sessions in person, but online options are also available if that is not possible. The third and final session, where men will pray and discern their vocations alongside their wives before beginning their applications to become deacons, will take place at the Pastoral Center on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit bostondiaconate.org/inquirer.