Six Men to Be Ordained Permanent Deacons in Phoenix

Six men will be ordained to the permanent diaconate on Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix. These men serve as vital members of the Church, supporting the bishop, parish priests, and the people of God through their ministry.

In preparation for ordination, the candidates have completed a rigorous formation program, including five years of study and the two-year Kino Catechetical Institute program as part of their discernment. This process equips them to live out their vocation with spiritual and practical readiness.

Dcn. Mark Veazie, associate director of Education and Formation for the diocesan Office of the Diaconate, described the role of a deacon as one configured by the grace of ordination to Christ the Servant. “The grace and the love he receives through his ordination overflow to touch others through an interconnected ministry of word, liturgy and charity,” he said. “He is also a bridge between the bishop with his priests and the people of God, over which love and communication flow in both directions.”

Veazie expressed excitement about the ordination, noting that each candidate has walked a unique path, experienced different moments of woundedness and healing, and possesses distinct spiritual and natural gifts. “The Lord will use all of that,” he said, emphasizing the value of each individual’s journey.

Charles (Chuck) Garcia, a parishioner of St. Mary Parish in Chandler, Ariz., was called gradually to this vocation. He cited moments of grace that contributed to his discernment, such as “the childhood invitation I was too afraid to accept to serve at the altar, the example of faithful men in the Knights of Columbus, my desire to bring Holy Communion to the sick and the encouragement of my wife, Cindy, who has supported every step of this journey.”

After ordination, Garcia looks forward most to serving families, the sick, and those who are searching for peace and purpose. “Having found that peace in Christ and His Church, I hope to help others encounter the same joy, hope and closeness to God that have transformed my life.”

Peter Parian III from Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tempe, Ariz., first heard the call to the diaconate after high school, to which he told God, “Lord, there are probably other ways to serve You.” Rather than entering the diocesan seminary in his hometown in the Philippines, he pursued a bachelor’s degree at a Jesuit university and later married. In 2008, the family moved to the United States where they became involved in parish life and a covenant community. Parian gradually recognized God’s call to the diaconate and began to understand why He had brought them to the United States. “Since then, I have entrusted my life to Him, asking Him to lead me where He wills.” Parian looks forward to ministering the sacraments, especially to those in need.

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