“This is a day of joy not only for these candidates and their families, but for the whole Diocese of Saint Petersburg,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes during his homily. “The ministry of permanent deacons strengthens the Body of Christ and ensures that the Church, here in our parishes, hospitals, prisons, and communities, will always have visible witnesses to the “diakonia” – the service – that flows from the example of Christ himself.”

Over 500 people – family members, friends, loved ones, and local parishioners providing their support – filled the cathedral with their joyful smiles and tears as they witnessed this profound step of faith for the six new deacons.

“These men, chosen from among the faithful of this diocese, have been examined, tested, and formed,” continued Bishop Parkes. 

“They stand before us today as our brothers, filled with the Spirit, ready to be sent into the vineyard of the Lord. What the Apostles began in Jerusalem continues here in St. Petersburg, two thousand years later.”

One of the many striking moments of the Mass, the “Litany of Supplication,” occurs when the six men to be ordained lay face down, prostrate on the Cathedral floor as the Litany of Saints is prayed over them by the choir and all present. This act symbolizes their humility – laying down of their lives and unworthiness for the calling they have received – as well as their dependence upon God and the prayers of the community.

Each of the diaconate candidates then individually knelt before the bishop and the “Laying on of Hands” took place. It is in this moment that Bishop Parkes placed his hands on their heads in silence. In this act, the men received the requested sacramental grace for ordination.

The newly ordained deacons were then vested in their liturgical garments and knelt once again before Bishop Parkes to receive a Book of the Gospels for their ministry, reminded to “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

“The Church of Saint Petersburg rejoices today,” said Bishop Parkes in his homily. “Filled with gratitude, we embrace you, our new deacons, and as your bishop I assure you of my prayerful support as you begin your ministry. May your ministry be fruitful, your service faithful, and your hearts ever more closely united with Christ.”

Meet Our Six New Deacons

Dixon Braden – St. Lawrence, Tampa

Henry Jerez – Corpus Christi, Temple Terrace

Joshua Keleske – Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Tampa

Neil Kennedy – Christ the King, Tampa

Robert Miller – St. Anthony of Padua, San Antonio

Sam Puleo – St. Francis of Assisi, Seffner

For more information about the Diaconate, click here.

For more information about the new deacons, click here.

To view photos from the Mass, click the arrows below.