The Ordination Mass will begin at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. All are welcome to attend. The Mass will also be livestreamed at dosp.org/livestream, on Facebook, on YouTube, and aired live on Spirit FM 90.5.

Much like the disciples of Jesus, those called to permanent diaconate come from diverse backgrounds. Our soon-to-be deacons work in a variety of professions, including law enforcement, the trades (such as plumbing and HVAC), adult faith formation, law, and finance.

Here is a glimpse into the lives of these faithful men.

Arvin "Dixon" Braden – St. Lawrence Parish (Tampa)

Dixon is 50 and resides in Tampa with his wife of 21 years, Tracy. He is the father of three children and is employed by Raymond James.

When asked what he is most looking forward to, he said, "Serving the people of my parish. While I am excited to proclaim the Gospel, assist at the Eucharist, and celebrate baptisms and marriages, I really look forward to being with my parish community in their everyday lives – sharing in their joys and struggles, and bringing Christ's presence into those moments."

Henry Jerez – Corpus Christi Parish (Temple Terrace)

Henry is 59 and resides in Land O' Lakes with his wife of 31 years, Claudia. Henry is the father of two adult children and is employed as an HVAC Technician at a local hospital.  

When asked what he is most looking forward to as a deacon, he said, "There are many things to do as a servant of God, but I am open to do what He has called me to do. This is a work that is carried out day by day in obedience and prayer."

Joshua Keleske – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (Tampa)

Joshua is 49 and resides in Tampa with his wife of 28 years, Dawn. He is the father of two adult daughters and is an attorney who owns his own legal practice.  

When asked what he is most looking forward to as a deacon, he said, "Helping to draw the congregation more deeply into the beauty of the liturgy. As both a servant of the Word and a minister at the altar, I hope my presence and prayerful service help others encounter Christ in the liturgy and carry that encounter into their daily lives."

Neil Kennedy – Christ the King Parish (Tampa)

Neil is 48 and resides in Tampa with his wife of 19 years, Mary. He is the father of six children and is employed by Christ the King Parish as an adult faith formation coordinator.

When asked what he is most looking forward to as a deacon, he said, "I look forward to serving people in the various ways that are needed. Whether it is assisting at Mass, baptizing a child, or accompanying someone through a difficult time, every moment is a moment to minister as Christ would."

Robert Miller – St. Anthony of Padua Parish (San Antonio)

Robert is 44 and resides in Dade City with his wife of 18 years, Shannon. He is the father of a teenage daughter and is employed as an investigator with the FDLE.  

When asked what he is most looking forward to as a deacon, he said, "Engaging in the faith community in a new way—understanding where the greatest needs of the community are and  being there to serve those needs."

Sam Puleo – St. Francis of Assisi Parish (Seffner)

Sam is 61 and resides in Valrico with his wife of 32 years, AnnMarie. He is the father of two adult sons (Sam and AnnMarie’s son, Roman, passed away in 2023) and is the owner of Puleo Plumbers Plumbing Co., Inc., and A Better Lawn and Garden, Inc.  

When asked what he is most looking forward to as a deacon, he said, “To faithfully serve the Lord’s will.”