The Ordination Mass will begin at 11 A.M. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. All are welcome! The Mass will also be livestreamed at www.dosp.org/livestream, www.Facebook.com/DioStPete and www.Youtube.com/DioceseofStPete and broadcast on Spirit FM 90.5.

"Ordinations to the diaconate or to priesthood are always special days here in our Diocese because we're adding ministers, we're adding clergy to the fold who can minister to God's people," said Bishop Gregory Parkes.

The process to become a deacon is a long and extensive process. It involves a period of discernment involving the entire family, as well as a five year formation period with intense study to get the men and their wives ready for this vocation.

"They can't celebrate Mass or hear confessions, but they can perform baptisms, witness weddings, preach the Gospel, as well as give a homily and assist at Mass. They do complement the priesthood. They are co-workers with the priest and the bishop in our Diocese, and they are really a very important ministry in our Diocese," continued Bishop Parkes.

You can read more about each of these eight men below:

Paul Benfanti– St. Paul Parish (St. Pete)

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Family: 

My wife, Cindy, and I have been happily married now for over 33 years. We have two grown and married children, Arianna and Alexander, and one beautiful granddaughter named Aurelia.

Career: 

We are both retired military (Army). I am currently slowing down in my pediatric orthopedic surgery practice and look forward to the diaconate and spending more time with Cindy and the family.

Personal Interests: 

I enjoy working out, wood-working and piddling around the house. 

Why are you becoming a deacon?

My wife and I went through the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute together. That experience, along with pilgrimages with our parish and retreats through Emmaus and Worldwide Marriage Encounter, led to my call to serve as a deacon. It has been a wonderful and challenging journey! As I have gotten older and grown in faith and hopefully wisdom, I felt the deep desire to serve God and His people, and to try and give back to God in gratitude for everything He has done for me. 

 

John Gerdes– Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (St. Petersburg)

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Family: 

I am one of six siblings and was raised in the Cathedral of St. Jude Parish and school by my late parents Charles and Annalise Gerdes. My wife, Debbie, and I remain parishioners at the Cathedral. We have two married sons, Kyle (Amanda) and Cody (Tori) and three grandchildren, John Joseph and twins Annalise Catherine and Luke Thomas.

Career: 

I am a 1984 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in communications. I also have postgraduate degrees in public administration (USF) and theology (Saint Leo). I have spent the bulk of my career in athletics administration, including with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, USF and St. Petersburg Catholic High School. Presently, I am the Director of Athletics at Clearwater Central Catholic High School.

Why are you becoming a deacon?

I believe I responded to a call. It wasn’t like an “aha” moment, but more of a steady and progressive call that never quite went away over a 5-year span. I don’t think I put the call off in those five years, but rather let it move in me and form me to the point I was ready to say yes. It wasn’t so much my timing, but God’s timing.

 

Charles "Chuck" Glass– St. Paul Parish (Tampa)

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Family: 

I am one of four boys born and raised in Tampa by my late parents Charles and Barbara Glass. My wife Maria and I have been married for 41 years and have two married sons, Chuck (Sofia), Christopher (Annette), and one son Timmy (21) who passed away in 2015, as well as two grandsons, Charles Easton (3) and Bennett Patrick (1).

Career: 

After graduating high school (Jefferson), I attended college on a football scholarship (Westmar) and studied Theology (Saint Leo) through the diaconate program. As a police officer with the city of Tampa, I served as an FTO (Field Training Officer) and CAI (Child Abuse Investigator). I am currently a senior project manager and Director of Construction for a local electrical contracting firm.

Personal Interests: 

When I am not working or serving the church, I enjoy golf, fishing, and spending time with my wife and grandchildren. My wife, Maria, is the Group Housing Coordinator with Embassy Suites Downtown/Convention Center.

Why are you becoming a deacon?

Although I was very involved in various ministries within the church, I felt that I wanted to serve God in a much deeper way, especially after our son’s death. After the Lord graced me with a vision at the Corpus Christi Mass in 2016, I knew that my only desire was to completely and fully commit my life in service to God his people. It wasn’t me choosing to become a deacon, but God choosing me.

 

Joseph Grimaudo– Our Lady of the Rosary Parish (Land O'Lakes)

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Family: 

I was born and raised in Inverness, Florida. I grew up serving as an altar server at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. My family had a strong faith and participated in many church ministries. In dental school, I met my wife Melissa and we were married at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Gainesville. Melissa and I settled in the Tampa Bay Area in 2006. We both practiced dentistry and had two children, Callie and Evan.

Career: 

After graduating from Citrus High School, I moved to Gainesville where I earned a bachelor’s degree and dental degree from the University of Florida. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis and I made a miraculous recovery that changed my life. I could no longer practice general dentistry, but my eyes were opened to new ways God was calling me. I found new ways to help patients and now have a specialty dental practice treating sleep apnea with dental appliances.

Personal Interests:

My family and I can be found playing sports, enjoying the beach, pool or boat, traveling or volunteering

Why are you becoming a deacon?

Honestly, I didn't choose this vocation.  It was clearly a call from God. The lasting effects of my Transverse Myelitis have prevented me from being able to fulfill the physical requirements of my profession.  As I realized that I would not be able to return to work in full capacity, I felt God calling me to become more active in the Church. I heard God’s call through several special people, but ultimately it was in the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit during one of the most difficult times of my life. My decision to pursue diaconate formation was clear and embraced by my family and friends. Through prayerful discernment and hearing the Spirit speak through those around me, I decided to apply for the Diaconate Formation Program. I was accepted through the grace of God and now I am awaiting ordination.

 

Michael Hurst– St. Clement Parish (Plant City)

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Family: 

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, I have resided in Plant City, Florida, for the past 27 years. My wife, Karen, and I will celebrate 32 years of marriage this November. We have two grown children. Our son, Connor, and his wife, Kaley, have a beautiful little girl, Harper Mae. Our daughter Kellyanne currently lives in Virginia with her husband, Garrett. They have two handsome little boys, Hampton and Bennett. We love being grandparents and spend as much time with our family as possible. 

Career: 

I hold a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). As part of the diaconate formation process, I earned a master's degree in Theology from Saint Leo University. 

Professionally, I have 35 years of insurance experience and currently hold a position as Regional Sales Manager for a national insurance company.

Personal Interests:

We have been members of St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City since 2002. Both Karen and I are passionate about Youth Ministry and catechetical education.

Why are you becoming a deacon?

Instead of being a choice, it falls more in line with being open to God’s call, taking the next steps in my spiritual journey, and being willing to explore what I felt God was calling me to do. The Diaconate Formation Program has been inspirational and transformational. I look forward to serving God, our Church, and our community as a deacon.  

 

Scott Moore– Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (Dunedin)

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Family: 

I was born and raised in Dunedin, Florida, and converted to Catholicism in April 1990. My wife, Mary Beth, and I have four children (with three spouses) and five grandchildren. 

Career: 

I graduated from Florida State University with both a Bachelors and Masters in Accounting. I am a Certified Public Accountant who has held positions as Chief Financial Officer and CFO Consultant from 2010 to Present.

Personal Interests:

We have been Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church parishioners for over 20 years and have been involved in leading small groups such as Emmaus, faith sharing, and bible studies for over 25 years. I enjoy being with the family, sports, and playing with the grandchildren.

Why are you becoming a deacon?

I was moved by the Spirit to help others to connect with Him and go on their spiritual journey.  My prayer during the discernment process was, “Is this the way you want me to learn how to love more completely and to live out that love?”  His answer was yes.

 

Shawn Ryan– St. Stephen Parish (Riverview)

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Family: 

I am married to my wonderful wife, Mervi. My wife and I are the proud parents of our beautiful daughter. The three of us have a cheerfully active Jack Russel Terrier that keeps us on our toes.

Career: 

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and am currently employed as a Software Developer. Before working in the software field, I served in the Army.

Personal Interests:

My family and I have been attending St. Stephen's in Riverview for 15 years, where we have been lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Sacristans, and have been involved in various other ministries. I enjoy watching baseball and am a big fan of the Rays. I also greatly enjoy auto racing and traveling to see the races. 

Why are you becoming a deacon?

At the beginning of this process, I believe my answer to this question was simply, “to serve God.” I had a simple picture of service, but as my understanding and knowledge of the diaconate has grown, so has my answer. I love the threefold definition of the deacon, serving God through His Word, liturgy, and charity. And in that thought, I desire to be that sacramental servant to His people, by striving to evangelize and spread His Gospel through this service, in all aspects of my life, from my work in the Sanctuary, at the Ambo, and in my daily walk of life. 

 

William "Bill" Stephen– St. Paul Parish (Tampa)

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Family: 

My wife, Joy, and I were raised in the Tampa area. We have been happily married for 43 years. Together, we raised five wonderful children and have been blessed to see our family grow to include 11 cherished grandchildren.

Career: 

I attended Leto High School, Hillsborough Community College, the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University, where I earned the distinction of Doctor of Optometry. Following graduation, I served our nation as a Flight Optometrist in the United States Air Force. Upon completion of military service, my family and I returned home to Tampa. In 1998, Joy and I founded St. Lucy's Vision Center, a private practice optometry clinic that serves the community through compassionate eye care.

Personal Interests:

I have been a parishioner of St. Paul Catholic Church (Tampa) for 25 years. I have served the parish through involvement in the youth ministry, by proclaiming the Word of God as a lector during Mass, and through music ministry, lending my voice to the church choir. In moments of free time, I enjoy the simple things of life: sharing quality moments with my family and friends, finding solace in quiet reflection, or immersing myself in an eclectic mix of music.

Why are you becoming a deacon?

In my early twenties, I began to experience a persistent, interior desire to do more in the Church. Decades of serving in various ministries failed to satisfy that desire. In God’s time, prayerful discernment led me to recognize this yearning as a call to the diaconate. Since entering the formation program the urge to do more has been replaced with a sense of peace and consolation. My choice to become a deacon, ultimately, is the end result of repeated choices to seek and do God’s will.