Deacon Wally's Biography

Let us witness hope to the world, a truth no different than it was in the infancy of the Church when Saint Paul reminded another young disciple of his duty: ‘Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Persevere at both tasks. By doing so, you will bring to salvation yourself and all who hear you’ (1 Timothy 4:16).” 

In November 1988, Deacon Wally was born into a Catholic Polish family in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He is the only child of two deeply devoted parents: a father who served as a role model and guide, and a mother whose comfort, love, and compassion were a constant source of friendship and strength. His childhood was filled with love and laughter, cherished memories of family celebrations and holidays, and an enduring awareness of the divine Mystery that encompasses and embraces life’s journey—its joys and sorrows, its disappointments and hopes. As Deacon Wally reflects, “My family has always been supportive of my endeavors and provided encouragement and support for my many interests and activities.” 

Education has always been an essential part of Deacon Wally’s life. After graduating from Catholic elementary school and secular secondary schools, Deacon Wally graduated summa cum laude in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania. He then continued his studies at Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Master of Education degree in August 2025, also graduating summa cum laude. Continuing his commitment to lifelong learning and the thoughtful integration of technology and education, Deacon Wally will begin pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in Instructional Technology with a leadership focus in August 2026.

Alongside his educational and professional pursuits, Walter has spent many years participating in community service and volunteer activities. He has served as a parish catechist, been active in the local Knights of Columbus, and contributed to parish pastoral councils. He has also served on multiple information technology curriculum advisory boards, where he has advocated for the welfare and formation of our beloved youth.

Nearly seven years ago, Deacon Wally began discerning God’s call to diaconal ministry. Amid his career in information technology, he experienced what he describes as a “movement of the heart,” an intimate encounter with the all-encompassing and uncontainable Mystery of Being itself. As Deacon Wally recalls, “I knew for a while that God had a unique vocation planned for me, but it was not until my mid-twenties that I was grasped, shaken, and overwhelmed by that ardent call to serve our Lord as an unworthy instrument of His divine love and grace.”

Deacon Wally spent many months in prayer and spiritual direction as he continued to discern his call to the permanent diaconate. “In my heart, I recognized that God was calling me to serve. He was calling me to bring forth His love, to shepherd the lost, and to feed those who are spiritually hungry.”

In October 2021, Deacon Wally married Melissa Summers at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He is a dedicated husband who enjoys sharing his Catholic faith with his wife and growing with her in unity and love through the sacred Sacrament of Matrimony.

Diaconal formation through the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown gave Deacon Wally the opportunity to fortify himself through continuous study and prayer so that he might speak boldly of God, proclaim God’s Word, and journey with his brothers and sisters as they respond to their baptismal call to holiness.

Deacon Wally was ordained to the Order of Diaconate in service to our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church on Saturday, June 6, 2026, by the Most Reverend Mark L. Bartchak, J.C.L., Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, at the historic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He served as Deacon at his first Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellwood, Pennsylvania, at the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

Deacon Wally currently serves as Deacon at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellwood, Pennsylvania, under the pastorate of Father Michael Pleva.