After many years of preparation through prayer, study and discernment, Deacons Donald Amodeo and Zachary Brasseur are ready for ordination to the Catholic priesthood. All are welcome to attend the joyous occasion of their ordination on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. The Mass will also be livestreamed for the homebound via www.dosp.org/livestream, www.Facebook.com/DioStPete, and www.YouTube.com/DioceseofStPete.  The Ordination Mass will be broadcast on Spirit FM 90.5.

Learn About Our Future Priests:

Listen to a radio interview with Deacon Zachary Brassuer.

Listen to a radio interview with Deacon Donald Amodeo.

Deacon Donald Amodeo

Childhood:

• Born in Buffalo, New York.
• Grew up in the Tampa Bay area.
• His family attended Holy Family Parish in St. Petersburg for many years.
• Now he belongs to St. Mary Parish in Tampa.

Education:

• Graduated from University of Steubenville in Ohio with a Marketing Degree.
• Graduated from St. John Vianney College Seminary with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.
• Ordained a transitional deacon in April of 2021.
• Will receive a Master of Divinity from St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, in Boynton Beach on May 12, 2022.

Vocations Story: At the age of 19 he had fallen away from his Catholic faith, but then he had a reversion experience, and he felt God calling him to the priesthood. God was patient with him as he explored this call. He entered the seminary at the age of 35, and seven years later, he is about to be ordained.

Interesting to Note: Deacon Amodeo is the author of a fictional afterlife adventure novel called, “Dead and Godless.” He also was an entrepreneur for 10 years. He is passionate about defending the faith against error and misunderstanding. He is a fan of Italian roast coffee and classic rock music.

First Assignment: His first priestly assignment will be as Parochial Vicar of Nativity Parish, in Brandon.

Deacon Zachary Brasseur

Childhood:

• Born and raised in St. Petersburg.
• Attended various parishes during his youth, including St. Paul Parish, St. Petersburg, his current home parish.

Education:

• Attended St. Paul Catholic School in St. Petersburg and St. Petersburg Catholic High School.
• Attended Saint Leo University where he studied history and philosophy.
• Graduated from St. John Vianney College Seminary with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.
• Ordained a transitional deacon in April of 2021.
• Will receive a Master of Divinity from St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, in Boynton Beach on May 12, 2022.

Vocations Story: He first felt an inclination towards priesthood in second grade while preparing for First Communion. Over the years, while attending Catholic school and Catholic university, he had powerful prayer experiences during Adoration and youth retreats. He grew closer to Christ and sensed more of the call to priesthood. After visiting the seminary in 2013, he decided to apply to attend.

Interesting to Note: Deacon Zachary’s mom has worked at various parishes around the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and she is currently the office manager at St. Scholastica Parish in Citrus County. Deacon Zachary is a fan of the Tampa Bay Rays and enjoys listening to history podcasts. He is a firm believer that St. Petersburg is the greatest city in the world, and he is excited to be a priest in the place he calls home. He also likes pineapple pizza.

First Assignment: His first priestly assignment will be as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Dunedin.

Information About Priesthood and Vocations

What is the purpose of priesthood?

The purpose of a priest is to bring people to Jesus, and Jesus to people. He does this primarily by preaching the Word and offering the Sacrifice of the Mass. His daily life involves administering the sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance and Reconciliation, the Anointing of the Sick, and Matrimony, and caring for people in their daily needs.

What exactly is a “vocation?”

A vocation is a call from God to do something specifically for God and for His kingdom. The primary vocation of every person is to be holy. It is the divine calling to love and serve God, to obey His commandments, and to cooperate with Christ in the work of redemption by loving and serving others. But we are all called to a secondary vocation as well, a “state in life” in which we are to be holy. Many people are called to the vocation of marriage, but it is an error to automatically assume that this is your vocation. One may also be called to the vocation of the priesthood, to the religious life as a sister or brother, or to the diaconate.