The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Little Rock
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will ordain 46 permanent deacons for the diocese at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 11 at Christ the King Church in Little Rock and 10 a.m., Saturday, June 25 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers.
The men and their wives began a discernment process in 2016 and officially started their training in 2017.
Even during the height of the COVID pandemic, the diaconate candidates continued to meet online and in person. The 35 English-speaking deacons met monthly at St. John Center in Little Rock and online, while the 11 Spanish-speaking deacons met at Subiaco Abbey.
In this special section, meet the Diocese of Little Rock's new deacons and see a complete list of their pastoral assignments.
Arkansas Catholic en español - Conozca a los nuevos diáconos de 2022
Robert Phillips, 56
St. Raphael, Springdale
Assigned to: St. Raphael, Springdale
Employment: Invoicing and distribution for craft brewery
Wife: Nancy
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Over the years my wife and I have always been active in the church and as our kids grew up and moved out, we were looking for other ways to serve. It seemed like the next logical step so we began the discernment process. I’ve learned so much about the richness More... 
Ken Hunter, 54
St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Assigned to: St. Stephen, Bentonville
Employment: Head of technology, Athletic Greens
Wife: Antonietta
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Performing ministry of adult formation and working with Deacon John Pate
What ministries are you currently involved in? RCIA, adult formation
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? Deacon Chuck Marino, my spiritual advisor; Msgr. Scott Marczuk, my pastor and mentor; and Antonietta, my wife, love and absolute More...
Martin Huss, 61
Blessed Sacrament, Jonesboro
Assigned to: Blessed Sacrament, Jonesboro
Employment: Associate professor of botany, Arkansas State University
Wife: Betsy
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? It started many years ago as a quiet, subtle prompting of the Holy Spirit, which became clearer over time after much prayer and discernment, alone and with my wife. In addition, I also had many discussions with my mentor and friend, the late Father David Bellinghausen, OSB, a monk of More...
Ronald Lee, 60
Our Lady of Fatima, Benton
Assigned to: Our Lady of Fatima, Benton
Employment: Financial advisor
Wife: Colette
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? When I pray I ask God how I may best serve him. When listening, he told me as an ordained deacon. So I inquired and with God's grace and much help from too many to mention, here I am.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Prior to formation classes I was More...
Oscar Lopez, 53
St. Raphael, Springdale
Assigned to: St. Raphael, Springdale
Employment: Home remodeler
Wife: Alejandra
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Seeing the need in the community and through Father John Connell for his service to the parish
What ministries are you currently involved in? Acolyte, RCIA program
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? The deacons who are in formation are an example of what diaconal service is, especially Deacon Marcelino Luna and Deacon More...
Joe Lukacs, 58
Christ the King, Little Rock
Assigned to: Christ the King, Little Rock
Employment: Pharmacist
Wife: Tammy
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? My former pastor Bishop Malone encouraged me to attend a diaconate informational meeting followed by a year of discernment.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Visiting homebound, Marriage Encounter, Men of Faith, perpetual adoration
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My wife Tammy, my family, my spiritual director, my More...
Juan Mares, 42
St. Theresa, Little Rock
Assigned to: St. Theresa, Little Rock
Employment: Warehouse manager, Looneys Tire Center
Wife: Flora
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I felt God’s call through my oldest sister’s illness and death. After she died, I attended a retreat where I had a personal encounter with Jesus. This retreat helped me to live, to value my family and the love to serve the Church began. Over time, I learned more about More...
Byron Newton, 36
St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Assigned to: St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Employment: Mechanical engineer
Wife: Kalisa
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I have always found great joy in service and have been influenced positively in my faith by several deacons. Understanding the impact that deacons have had in my own life, I felt God calling me to discern the diaconate and the call to serve the people of God as a deacon.
What More...
Dr. Jerome Ngundue, 69
Christ the King, Little Rock
Assigned to: Christ the King, Little Rock
Employment: Public health scientist and preparedness planner
Wife: Sarah
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Through service in the church and as a sacristan
What ministries are you currently involved in? RCIA, vocations chalice program, sacristan, Eucharistic ministry for hospital and shut-ins, usher and Knights of Columbus assistant chaplain
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My wife, family, Bishop More...
Tom Parks, 63
St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Assigned to: St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Employment: Software developer
Wife: Beth
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I've been interested in the diaconate since college but did not recognize a specific call until my wife dropped an Arkansas Catholic newspaper on my plate that told of the formation of a new diaconal class.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Per instructions in this last year of formation, I More...
Calvin Pearcy, 63
St. Joseph, Conway
Assigned to: St. Joseph, Conway
Employment: Retired fire captain of Little Rock Fire Department; Pearcy Landscape Service
Wife: Margaret
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? After teaching confirmation for eight years, I felt a call to do more. The Holy Spirit said diaconate and I said yes.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Acolyte, help with all parts of the liturgy
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My More...
Leon Pesek Jr., 66
St. Edward, Texarkana
Assigned to: St. Edward, Texarkana
Employment: Retired, Texas state judge
Wife: Beth
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Over the course of formation I became more and more aware of the Lord's call. While I did not experience a life-altering moment, I did have recurring thoughts encouraging me to continue in the program.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Executive director for St. Edward Outreach
Who have been the biggest influences More...
Arturo Hernandez, 52
St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Assigned to: St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Employment: Welder
Wife: Berta
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? It was announced at the end of Mass, and Father Alejandro Puello invited me.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Diaconate formation
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? The formation team, Deacons Marcelino Vásquez, Ricardo Puello, César Villafranca and Marcelino Luna and Bishop-elect Erik Pohlmeier
More...
Jason Pohlmeier, 39
St. Joseph, Fayetteville
Assigned to: St. Joseph, Fayetteville
Employment: Catholic school principal
Wife: Erin
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? The idea of a religious vocation was always present in my life, and it was something that I discerned as I grew. … I always felt that the diaconate was not a question of "If?" and more a question of "When?"
What ministries are you currently involved in? Catholic school principal and Knights of Columbus More...
Dr. Peter Post, 67
Sacred Heart, Morrilton
Assigned to: Sacred Heart, Morrilton
Employment: Family physician
Wife: Bernadette
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Through gradual discernment
What ministries are you currently involved in? Communion to the sick. I will be working with marriage preparation after ordination.
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My dad, Deacon Matt Post, and our teaching team of deacons
More...
Marc Rios, 55
Cathedral of St. Andrew, Little Rock
Assigned to: Cathedral of St. Andrew, Little Rock
Employment: Resident manager, St. John Manor for retired priests
Wife: Tracy
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? In service to others, I felt God pulling me closer to him, so I let go of my life and gave it to him.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Sick and grief ministry, prayer ministry
Who have been the biggest influences in your More...
Dr. Ted Saer, 71
Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock
Assigned to: Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock
Employment: Orthopedic surgeon
Wife: Wendy
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? God slowly created in me a desire to follow him more closely, opening doors and inviting me to grow into the person he created me to be.
What ministries are you currently involved in? RCIA
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? Bishop-elect More...
Luis Sanchez, 59
St. Raphael, Springdale
Assigned to: St. Raphael, Springdale
Employment: Technician, AutoGlass
Wife: Coralia
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Through an invitation
What ministries are you currently involved in? Diaconate formation
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? The formation team, instructors and spiritual director.
More...
Randy Spellins, 55
Christ the King, Little Rock
Assigned to: Christ the King, Little Rock
Employment: Senior vice president, bank technology director
Wife: Kim
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? My wife and I have formed wonderful relationships over the past 28 years with holy men and women, including Deacon Bo and Vicki McAllister, Deacon Don and Jan Greenway and Deacon Mike and Roz Rector. Their friendship and witness to the faith have kept the idea of More...
John Suskie, 58
Christ the King, Little Rock
Assigned to: Christ the King, Little Rock
Employment: Arvest Bank Syndicated Banking
Wife: Neddie
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? The call came during a time of very intense prayer as our family was struggling with sickness, suffering and multiple deaths of loved ones. God gave our family members peace and healing throughout this time of intense suffering and because of that consolation that was experienced, we have been More...
Edward Sweeden, 66
Immaculate Conception, North Little Rock
Assigned to: Immaculate Conception, North Little Rock
Employment: Retired photo printer technician
Wife: Valerie
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I felt an urge to seek out the discernment process and felt a call to respond. With a brother as a deacon, I felt like I should answer the call and prayerfully went into formation.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Acolyte and cantor for parish funerals, taking Communion More...
Angelo Volpi, 50
Christ the King, Little Rock
Assigned to: Christ the King, Little Rock
Employment: Owner and president, Synergy HomeCare of Little Rock
Wife: Lorel
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I have experienced a gradual calling to the diaconate. Looking back, the calling started when we joined Christ the King parish in 2010. I became involved in the parish and was an active participant in ministries like Men of Faith, Marriage Encounter and perpetual adoration, More...
Robert “Bob” Wochner, 69
St. Peter the Fisherman, Mountain Home
Assigned to: St. Peter the Fisherman, Mountain Home
Employment: Law Enforcement and force protection
Wife: Katie
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? During prayer in Eucharistic adoration, I heard God affirming yes as I discerned.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Catechism (Atrium) classes and working to serve parish organizations as needed.
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My wonderful wife Katie, Bishop-elect Erik More...
Dr. William Curry, 75
Immaculate Conception, Fort Smith
Assigned to: St. Joseph, Fayetteville
Employment: Retired oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Wife: Donna
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I have had a steady call from God over the last 20 years to accept the grace to do ministry in the Church, which became much stronger as I neared retirement.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Sacristan, lector, acolyte, Eucharistic minister, ministry to the poor and the homeless
Who More...
Eduardo Andrade, 48
St. Raphael, Springdale
Assigned to: St. Raphael, Springdale
Employment: Electrician
Wife: Maria Yolanda
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? During a homily, I felt the Lord calling me to serve him through those in need.
What ministries are you currently involved in? RCIA
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My family and the people whom I wish to serve
More...
Ramón Argueta, 51
St. Joseph, Conway
Assigned to: St. Joseph, Conway
Employment: Construction
Wife: Teresa
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Through a priest
What ministries are you currently involved in? Acolyte
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My instructors, Deacon Marcelino Luna and my wife, Tere
More...
Dr. Bob Bennett, 71
Blessed Sacrament, Jonesboro
Assigned to: St. John Newman University Parish, Jonesboro
Employment: Retired associate professor of botany, Arkansas State University
Wife: Karen
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? A suggestion by Father Jack Vu
What ministries are you currently involved in? Volunteer at an ecumenical food pantry
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? Deacon Riccardo Puello and Father Alphonse Gollapalli
More...
Garry Boccarossa, 62
St. Joseph, Pine Bluff
Assigned to: St. Joseph, Pine Bluff
Employment: Site manager, DME Express
Wife: Lisa
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Years ago, I felt the pull to do more, be more involved in my service to the church. Then, when the diaconate formation had the informational meeting, I felt as if God said “This is where you belong.”
What ministries are you currently involved in? I worked with our community food pantry. More...
Rob Brothers, 68
St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Assigned to: St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Employment: Retired community banker
Wife: Becky
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I attended a deacon informational session 30 years ago and have remained open to the call since that time.
What ministries are you currently involved in? St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Mornings with Monsignor Men's Ministry, Eucharistic adoration, eucharistic minister, lector
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? More...
Brad Brown, 70
St. Boniface, Fort Smith
Assigned to: St. Boniface, Fort Smith
Employment: Retired sales manager, Kraft Foods
Wife: Susan
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? As I got closer to retirement, I felt an urge to learn about the ministry of the permanent diaconate. I went through the nine-month discernment period, prayed for guidance, applied and began five years of formation, where I found a true peace from God in my decision.
What ministries are you More...
Dr. Tom Cannon, 60
Christ the King, Little Rock
Assigned to: Christ the King, Little Rock
Employment: Ophthalmologist, ophthalmic pathologist
Wife: Kerena
How did you hear your calling? I felt an inner calling by God and a preceeding calling to strengthen my faith for many years to better serve him.
What ministries are you currently involved in? River City Ministry, Westside Clinic, Building Bright Futures
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? The diaconate formation team, Deacon Mike and Roz More...
Dr. Daniel Cartaya, 54
Our Lady of Fatima, Benton
Assigned to: Our Lady of Fatima, Benton
Employment: Hospice and palliative care physician
Wife: Linda
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I followed the role model of other deacons in my parish.
What ministries are you currently involved in? RCIA, PRE
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? Definitely the diaconate formation team. They have been wonderful servant leaders.
More...
Greg Casteel, 67
St. Edward, Texarkana
Assigned to: St. Edward, Texarkana
Employment: Retired
Wife: Frances
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I heard my calling during a prayer for another candidate that was in permanent diaconate formation just shortly after I entered the Catholic Church.
What ministries are you currently involved in? RCIA, delivering food from a local food bank to hospice patients, taking holy Communion to shut-ins, diocesan tribunal advocate
Who have been the biggest influences in your More...
Moises Colon, 62
St. Mary, Siloam Springs
Assigned to: St. Mary, Siloam Springs
Employment: Inventory associate, Car-mart
Wife: Nilda
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? When serving in church, God called me to go beyond.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Acolyte, proclaiming the Word
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? Father Salvador Márquez-Muñoz, Deacon Ricardo Puello
More...
José Fabio Cruz, 55
St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Assigned to: St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Wife: Blanca
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? When observing the service that Deacons Silvestre Durán, Arturo Castrejón and Ronnie Hoyt provide our parish during a Mass with the community, the Lord touched my heart, and I felt him calling me to serve him in the same way. I shared this feeling in my heart with my family and God More...
Sergio Aguilar, 49
St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Assigned to: St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Employment: BFC supervisor, Cobb Vantress
Wife: Sinia
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I felt interest since the last formation class, 15 years ago, but because my children were very little, I felt it wasn’t the right time. Since then, I began to pray to the Lord, whether this was my call to the diaconate. When it was announced at St. Vincent More...
Greg Donaldson, 56
Christ the King, Little Rock
Assigned to: Christ the King, Little Rock
Employment: Director of faith formation, Christ the King Church
Wife: Christie
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? At first thought it only happened twice, first at the Chrism Mass in 2014 and as a lector at a funeral in 2015, but after discernment I became aware that I missed countless other moments in my life when he was calling me to the More...
Chris Dorer, 40
St. Francis of Assisi, Little Italy
Assigned to: St. Francis of Assisi, Little Italy
Employment: Teacher
Wife: Samantha
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Wonderful examples of faith and members of the religious life in my family and dedicated pastors helped me to be open to listening to the Lord’s calling.
What ministries are you currently involved in? RCIA, PRE, sick ministry
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My parents Bob and More...
Greg Fischer, 57
Holy Rosary, Stuttgart
Assigned to: Holy Rosary, Stuttgart
Employment: Farmer
Wife: The late Mary Nina Fischer
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? After a couple of years of trying to ignore it, God firmly put on my heart that the diaconate was my calling while I was driving a tractor in the middle of an 80-acre field. My biggest surprise though was after telling my wife her response was, "I wondered when you were More...
Jaime Flores, 55
St. Boniface, Fort Smith
Assigned to: St. Boniface, Fort Smith
Employment: Maintenance, St. Boniface Church
Wife: Josefina
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? When I saw the need of ordained ministers in the Hispanic immigrant community
What ministries are you currently involved in? Acolyte, baptism preparation
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My family, my instructors, my pastor and community
More...
Lawrence “Larry” Fox, 61
St. John, Russellville
Assigned to: St. John, Russellville
Employment: Paramedic/ambulance service director
Wife: Vivian
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? While attending a men's prayer group in Paris with then-Deacon candidate Tom Pohlmeier. Hearing about his experience helped me to hear this call.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Youth group, lector, acolyte, sacristan, extraordinary minister of the Eucharist
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? Deacons Bryan Lachowsky and Mark Verkamp, More...
Candelario Galvan, 64
Immaculate Conception, Fort Smith
Assigned to: Immaculate Conception, Fort Smith
Employment: Retired, maintenance
Wife: María
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Through the ministries in which I served as a layperson.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Extraordinary minister of Communion
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? The deacons and priests who have supported me
More...
Jim Goodhart, 63
Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock
Assigned to: Holy Souls and Our Lady of Good Counsel, Little Rock
Employment: Attorney, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
Wife: Ruthmary
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Steady, quiet encouragement over adulthood from our Lord.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Eucharistic ministry with sick/elderly, sacristan assistance at Mass, marriage preparation
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My wife, Ruthmary; originally, my parents More...
Dan Grelle, 62
St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Assigned to: St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Employment: Senior engineering technician
Wife: Christine
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I've always felt God calling me to serve in various ministries in my parish. As I continued to encounter the people of the parish, I sensed God asking me to serve them in a different way, by becoming a deacon.
What ministries are you currently involved in ? I am currently More...
Larry Grelle, 61
St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Assigned to: St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Employment: Project manager for civil engineering firm
Wife: Lucinda
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? Experiencing my increasing love for God and the Catholic faith and the growing desire to share that love with others
What ministries are you currently involved in? Acolyte, Eucharistic minister, lector
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My family, especially my brother Dan, the men More...
George Gussy, 58
St. Andrew, Yellville
Assigned to: St. Andrew, Yellville
Employment: Purchasing agent, Vexus Boats
Wife: Kimberly
How did you hear your calling to become a deacon? I have always had a desire to serve. My calling was a gradual one, which I finally answered.
What ministries are you currently involved in? Lector, Eucharistic minister, acolyte
Who have been the biggest influences in your diaconate formation? My wife, my spiritual directors, my parish family, the diaconate formation team
More...
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