A vocation to married life enables us to love more deeply than we can by our own power. It transforms a contract between two people into a way of discipleship and conversion.
The USCCB tells us that vocations must be talked about regularly if a "vocation culture" is to take root in parishes and families.
Meet our deacons
The role of the deacon is threefold: word, liturgy and charity.
To be a deacon in the Archdiocese of Seattle is a great mission. Deacons serve publicly in liturgy and also disappear into the margins to help the Church better know and accompany those who are in greatest need.
#walkinthemargins
We have over 120 permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Seattle. We are excited to introduce you to just some of them here! If you are interested in information about a particular deacon, go to our searchable deacon directory.
Snohomish Deanery
Spouse
Dora Alcorta
Bilingual
English/Spanish
Date of ordination
September 13, 2003, in the Archdiocese of Seattle.
Greatest joy
My greatest joy is the sacrament of baptism. I often pray and bless babies while they are still in their mother’s womb and when I baptize them, it is like I already know them, great joy. A baby comes out of the water from their mother’s womb to life, and then I am present when they come out of the waters of baptism into new life, a child of God. JOY!
Greatest challenge
My greatest challenge was my diaconate ministry outside the Church. For 12 years I was an American Red Cross first responder for national disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires and severe weather). My ministry called me to serve people caught in the middle of massive destruction and human suffering. There was no time to pray, but it was in the suffering and destruction that holy Scripture was revealed to me and the revelation became stories, and the stories became Sunday homilies.
Favorite Scripture passage
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Praising and exalting God is the only way for me. He has taught me not to make room for my gift, but that my gift will make room for me.
Favorite saint
Largely known for the recovery of lost items, St. Anthony is also known for the recovery of lost persons and souls. The recovery of those who are emotionally and spiritually lost is prominent in my prayer ministry.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
MY WIFE! Dora encourages and supports me to live out my passion. I had doubts about my call for the diaconate, she did not, and we pressed on. She is my emotional and spiritual model. I admire the way she balances her successful career, motherhood, parish ministry, being a wife and social life. She does all this and makes it look easy. She is my best friend.
Favorite recreations
Mountain climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, exploring underwater caves, snorkeling, golf and tennis. I love to write. I wrote a three-time award-winning children’s book. I like to sit at coffee shops and write human-interest short stories.
Eastside Deanery
Spouse
Agatha Bahk
Bilingual
English/Korean
Date of ordination
October 27, 2012, at St. James Cathedral, Seattle.
Greatest joy
A major part of my ministry is RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Especially when the candidates are baptized, I feel so rewarded and honored.
Greatest challenge
Public speaking has been my challenge due to my English skills and my shy attitude. It has been improved significantly since my ordination.
Favorite Scripture passage
It is so hard to choose one Scripture passage because all the words of Jesus are divine and beyond my ability to fathom. If I have to choose one passage, it is 2 Corinthians 12:9. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”
Favorite saint
Our favorite saint is St. Teresa of Avila. I was a third order Carmelite until I started diaconate formation. Agatha is still an OCDS.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
Deacon Duk Kim at St. Andrew Kim Korean Parish in Seattle, who passed away in 2019. He was one of the most dedicated and humble people I ever knew.
Favorite recreations
Traveling, especially by driving. Driving and listening to music is one of the most joyful hobbies of mine. In nature, I feel closest to the Creator. I consider the journey is as important as the destination, if not more.
Spouse
Lisa Carney
Date of ordination
December 19, 2020, by Archbishop Paul Etienne at St. James Cathedral, Seattle.
Greatest joy of formation
Early in our formation we were introduced to the habit of prayer known as the Divine Office (also known as Liturgy of the Hours). At the beginning it seemed cumbersome and unfamiliar, but over time it came to make a great deal of sense as the cumulation of many centuries of the experience of prayer in the Church. Sharing that experience one weekend a month with the other deacon candidates has been a source of joy and encouragement. Being able to share that experience with a small but committed group of people at my home parish has added to that joy.
Greatest challenge of formation
Sometimes our assigned readings were very challenging and the papers we had to write did not flow easily. I remember one book in particular by Cardinal Ratzinger that had us focus on various important questions about our faith. The questions made sense to me and the answers and conclusions seemed valid but in between the questions and answers he used a lot of words that I struggled greatly to digest. I don't think I have much of a future as a theologian but I am ok with that.
Looking forward to most in ministry
I hope to share the Gospel in a way that brings hope to those who are struggling. Whether that is by sharing time in prayer or visiting those who are alone or by sharing reflections on the Sunday Gospel, I look forward to bringing hope to those who need it.
Favorite Scripture passage
“The reign of God is at hand.” Jesus begins his ministry with this message and sharing that message is his purpose. It is the message he instructs his disciples to share with the world. It is a Scripture passage that never fails to give purpose to a persons life.
Favorite saint
St. Damian of Molokai. I read an account of his life by John Farrow who managed to convey both his humanness and his holiness. His life of service to those in desperate need is a powerful inspiration.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
40 years ago, during a difficult time while being away at college, the words of Jesus became powerfully relevant and they offered hope to me while my original plans for college and career collapsed about me. For a brief time I considered the priesthood but I met my wife, Lisa, and I found the callings of husband and father (and school teacher) to be more compelling. We were always active in our local parish but after our children had grown, and the opportunity for diaconate training presented itself, pursuing that opportunity seemed a very natural step.
Favorite recreations
Lisa and I enjoy spending time at beaches on the Oregon and Washington Coast. We share those same experiences with our 4 sons and our brothers and sisters when time allows. Now and then around the house I will take some tools and lumber and try to build something useful.
South King Deanery
Spouse
Michelle Chilo
Date of ordination
October 27, 2012, at St. James Cathedral, Seattle.
Greatest joy
My greatest joy is preaching the Gospel of our Lord and teaching.
Greatest challenge
My greatest challenge is not having a big enough platform to share and teach all that we need to know as Catholics. Being formed in our faith is a never-ending process. The holy Mass and the homily do not allow time to teach our faith.
Favorite Scripture passage
The Gospel is so rich and inspiring. I love the Book of Acts, but if I have to pick one Scripture passage that touches my heart it is: John 6:51. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”
Favorite saint
My favorite saint is St. Jude Thaddaeus, patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
My mother most inspired me. She went home to the Lord in 2017, but I can still hear her saying to me in her Louisiana Creole accent, “You cannot do anything without God.”
Favorite recreations
I love hiking, fishing and camping.
Spouse
Prema D'sa
Date of ordination
December 19, 2020, by Archbishop Paul Etienne at St. James Cathedral, Seattle.
Greatest joy of formation
The people. Getting to know and be with the other candidates and their families every month was not only a great joy but also inspirational. And the faculty was great. I learned so much about our faith that has really helped me grow in my own personal faith.
Greatest challenge of formation
Time management. Adding the rigor and time commitment needed for the diaconal formation into an already busy work, family and other activity schedule.
Looking forward to most in ministry
To serve as a deacon and share the blessings I have received and hopefully inspire people to deepen their knowledge of the faith and their relationship with Jesus.
Favorite Scripture passage
Phil 2:3-11
Favorite saint
Saint Philip Neri. He is not a very well known saint, but I love his thirst for the Holy Spirit and his passion to preach and teach people about Jesus and especially his sense of humor.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
It was not a single event or person. I believe the call to the diaconate came through various people. Also my involvement in the Charismatic prayer group played a big role in helping me surrender to God’s plan and being open to be used as His instrument.
Favorite recreations
Music. I enjoy singing, playing the guitar, keyboard, drums. I enjoy physical activity like running, biking, taking long walks with my wife, and playing soccer. In the recent years, I got a motorcycle and enjoy going on rides when the weather is good.
Spouse
Margaret Freese
Date of ordination
December 19, 2020, by Archbishop Paul Etienne at St. James Cathedral, Seattle.
Greatest joy of formation
Learning how to simply listen and be present for others without the need to be a problem solver. It helped not only pastorally, but in my work and family life.
Greatest challenge of formation
Letting go and letting God. My professional role rewards me for being in control of things. I had to unlearn that for pastoral development.
Looking forward to most in ministry
I am excited about discovering where the Holy Spirit is calling me next to serve. He has called me to many different ministries over the years, often surprising me with the direction and the unexpected joy that each experience brought.
Favorite Scripture passage
Sirach 2:1-6
Favorite saint
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
Deacon Jack Bleile (d. 2019). He was kind, generous, loving and a great example of the diaconal call to service and charity.
Favorite recreations
Hanging out with Margaret and our daughter doing anything is great. I also love to cook for friends and family.
South Sound Deanery
I am a native of Seattle, baptized at St. Peter Catholic Church on Seattle's Beacon Hill and grew up in St. Thomas Parish in Tukwila. As a deacon, I served the parishes of Lewis County, from Packwood to Pe Ell. I was appointed for a year as pastoral coordinator for four of the parishes during a time of reorganization. We are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chehalis. We share liturgy ministry together.
Spouse
Carolyn Lane
Date of ordination
April 15, 1989, by Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen at St. James Cathedral, Seattle.
Greatest joys and challenges
I have been involved in parish life as a member of the pastoral council, liturgy commission, RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and baptismal preparation. I served on the archdiocesan deacon formation evaluation committee. I have been involved with ministry to the youth at Maple Lane and Green Hill Youth Detention Centers. I am a member of the board of directors for Housing Resource Center, which assists with emergency and long-term housing needs in Lewis County. At Mount Rainier National Park, I worked with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks program. I have also worked with the Lewis County Fire Department with grief counseling for their first responders.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
The first deacon I met was Deacon Phil Myer at Sacred Heart Parish in Morton. Later I met Deacon Tom Erskine at our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Eatonville. They gave me an understanding of the deacon's ministry. By their example I was inspired to answer the archbishop's call for a new deacon formation class in the mid-1980s.
Favorite recreations
I graduated from Central Washington State College with a bachelor's degree in botany, George Williams College (Illinois) with a master's degree in Environmental Education Administration and Seattle University from the Pastoral Leadership Program. I worked as a national park ranger in several areas in the country, with many years at Mount Rainier National Park. I am enjoying gardening with Carolyn. I have been a landscape photographer from my youth.
South Seattle Deanery
Spouse
Lettie Magana
Bilingual
English/Spanish
Date of ordination
September 13, 2003, at St. James Cathedral, Seattle.
Greatest joy
Preaching and serving the community.
Greatest challenge
Living with authenticity.
Favorite scripture passage
Matthew 5:16: "Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."
Favorite saint
St. Augustine.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
The martyrdom of my great-uncle Ramon Sainz Orozco. It occurred on March 15, 1937. He was a layman and committed to the faith. He and others were martyred for defending the Catholic faith in Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico, during the Cristera Revolution. The humility for Father Felipe Bloom also inspired me.
Favorite recreations
Vacationing with my family in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Reading, meditating and spending time in silence. Strive to believe what I read (Gospel). Teach what I believe. Live what I teach.
South King Deanery
Spouse
Penny Mounce
Bilingual
English/Spanish
Date of ordination
September 13, 2003, by Archbishop Alexander Brunett at St. James Cathedral, Seattle.
Greatest joy
Describing for others what it means to trust God for everything and watch that take hold in their lives as it has in mine.
Greatest challenge
Improving my Spanish so I can better serve the Hispanic community in their many spiritual and material needs.
Favorite Scripture passage
One (of many) Scripture passages that inspires me is Matthew 6: 21: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
My favorite saint
(Besides George, my patron) is St Jude Thaddeus; my family has had a special devotion to him for many years.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
Three calls at three different times: first, in 1978 by a military chaplain who asked if I would be interested; second, in 1994, by five Air Force friends who encouraged me to ask about the ministry; and third, parishioners in 1999, who, when Archbishop Brunett announced that he was forming a new class, encouraged me to inquire as they thought I had a charism of service.
Favorite recreations
Playing piano and guitar, beachcombing, camping, hiking and reading.
South King Deanery, retired
Spouse
Mary Ellen Pardo
Date of ordination
September 13, 2003, by Archbishop Alexander J. Brunett, at St. James Cathedral, Seattle.
Greatest joy
Serving God’s people. One of them being serving the Hispanic community in different ways, such as sacraments of baptism and marriage. A highlight was serving at the altar at St. James Cathedral and preaching in Spanish at a Mass dedicated to Our Lady Of Guadalupe. I also loved my prison ministry that I served for 20 years.
Greatest challenge
Preaching. I had to work hard at it and prayed that I would preach an effective and relatable homily to those that I served.
Favorite Scripture passage
John 14:1-6, “Do not let your hearts be troubled...”
Favorite saint
St. Francis of Assisi. We had the privilege of visiting the church on a trip to Assisi, Italy, a few years back.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the Diaconate
My wife Mary Ellen. She supported me from the beginning. She attended the formation classes with me and we worked together on our assignments. All the while that I served, she was with me. And she still is.
Favorite recreation
It was golf. I am not able to golf anymore but at the time that I did, it was both challenging but yet it helped me physically and gave me self-confidence. I now enjoy walking and am writing my life story to leave to our children and grandchildren.
South Sound Deanery
Spouse
Amor Ronquillo
Bilingual
English/Filipino
Date of ordination
October 27, 2012, at St James Cathedral, Seattle
Greatest joy
Being able to bring my ministry not only in the church setting but also to the wider community. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I regularly had Communion services at retirement homes and rehabilitation centers in our area. It is very satisfying to see the smiles on their faces when I interact and listen to their stories.
In addition to my pastoral care ministry, I'm also the funeral planning coordinator in our parish (Sacred Heart, Lacey) and meet with the grieving family in the preparation and scheduling of the funeral Mass and graveside service as needed. Through this ministry, I'm able to provide comfort, hope and consolation to those who lost a loved one.
Greatest challenge
When I was just starting in my assignment as a permanent deacon, it was hard to balance family life and diaconal ministry. Sometimes, the need to visit a parishioner or to meet a grieving family takes precedence over a scheduled lunch with my wife or going out with my grandkids for ice cream. I have missed a number of family gatherings, but through the years, with discernment, prayers, support from my pastor and encouragement from the parish community, I was able to work around a busy schedule and still have quality time for my family.
Favorite Scripture passage
Micah 6:8 “You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Imagine what the world would be like if we can integrate kindness, justice and humility into our lives at all times. Our world would be a better place for us if we have unity of purpose and fraternal solidarity, and where there is equality, love and justice for all.
Favorite saint
St. John Vianney. I am inspired by his preaching and skill in helping penitents. I have read that St. John Vianney struggled in his theological studies and it took him years before he was ordained a priest, yet he became a famous confessor. His dedication, simple life, humility, good works and love of the liturgy are sources of inspiration whenever I feel overwhelmed in my work and not able to fulfill what is expected from me in my diaconal ministry.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
I was born, raised and educated in the Philippines where I had the opportunity to work with the Somascan Fathers from Italy in their mission work and in establishing a seminary in our province. I accompanied and introduced them to different villages and acted as translator for them. Their missionary work and evangelization efforts in the countryside got me involved in helping establish a basic ecclesial community in our town. I missed all of these when we moved to the U.S. in 1996, where I worked for the state's Employment Security Department. An opportunity to continue my involvement in church activities came up sometime in 2007 when I attended a Simbang Gabi coordinator's meeting for the Filipino community, hosted by Philip Tran. After the meeting, Mr. Tran also talked about the diaconate formation program and the application process. I got interested and I accepted the invitation and that is where my journey as a permanent deacon started.
Favorite recreations
Photography, gardening, reading books, traveling along the Washington and Oregon coasts with my wife, doing crossword puzzles and sudoku.
Southern Deanery, retired
Spouse
Mattie Roscoe
Date of ordination
December 18, 1977, Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Greatest joy
In the broad sense, sacramental preparation. Journeying with a couple as I prepare them for marriage or the baptism of their child is especially gratifying. I also enjoy teaching in our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program.
Greatest challenge
Homily preparation
Favorite Scripture passage
Phil 2:5-8: “Though he was in the form of God, he did not deem equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men. He was known to be of human estate, and it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!”
Favorite saint
Andre Bessette, C.S.C., more commonly known as Brother Andre, and since his recent canonization, Saint Andre of Montreal.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
In 1968, my wife and I were stationed in the Air Force at a small station on the island of Crete, Greece. The Air Force would contract with a few bishops to travel throughout Europe once a year to preside at confirmations. We were very active in our little Air Force Catholic Chapel program, so the Chaplain asked if we would host Bishop Unterkoefler of Charleston, South Carolina, for dinner in our little double-wide trailer when he arrived for confirmations. We did, and during the course of dinner the bishop explained that he had just been named as the head of a new committee by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called the Permanent Diaconate Committee. He dug into his briefcase and gave me a newly printed brochure about the restoration of the permanent diaconate. He led the conversation for about 30 minutes, nonstop! He invited me to consider this ministry. I was only 27 and the minimum age for ordination was 35, so I had some time to reflect, but the idea remained with me. When I returned to the U.S., I applied with the Archdiocese of Ohio in 1973. I was accepted into the program but in less than a year I was assigned to the embassy in Saigon, Vietnam. When I returned to the U.S., I had my choice of assignments and chose Hill Air Force Base, Utah, as I had heard they had one of the best programs. I was accepted and the rest is history.
Favorite recreations
Horses and hunting.
Spouse
Sharon Stamper
Date of ordination
December 19, 2020, by Archbishop Paul Etienne at St. James Cathedral, Seattle.
Greatest joy of formation
This is extremely difficult to answer because there have been many. I’ll start with how much joy praying the Liturgy of the Hours has brought to my (and Sharon’s) life. We pray both morning and evening prayer together. To know that something we do as a couple helps the Church, and at the same time, helps deepen our relationship with God and each other is such a blessing. Second, my involvement in homeless ministry has brought me so much joy. It starts with stripping away all labels I carry with me as a medical provider and walking into an environment simply to serve others with a deep humility and the joy of Christ in my heart. Lastly, I would say the joy attained through parish ministry to include: RCIA, baptismal prep, and marriage prep while serving each of these ministries with Sharon.
Greatest challenge of formation
The greatest challenge has been juggling work life, family life, and pastoral and parish ministries.
Looking forward to most in ministry
I look forward to serving God in whatever way he has planned for us (Sharon and I) with a deep humility and joy.
Favorite Scripture passage
Philippians 2:1-11, “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others. Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Favorite saint
St. Gemma Galgani who developed a love of prayer and a deep personal relationship with Christ. Sharon and I were fortunate enough to spend some time last year in St. Gemma’s childhood home in Lucca, Italy with my diaconate brother and sister Jim and Colleen Johnson. It was such a moving experience praying in front of the crucifix she prayed before.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the Diaconate
Father Jack Shrum most influenced me to answer the call to the diaconate. At first, I learned from Father Jack not through his words, but the way he lives his life devoted to Christ. Father Jack saw something in me I didn’t see in myself. He along with God helped me to truly understand the gift of the Holy Eucharist. Currently, as my spiritual director, Father Jack continues to help me grow in my faith.
Favorite recreation
I enjoy golfing with my wife, spending time with my family, and river fishing for salmon and steelhead.
Spouse
Jem Tarabi
Date of ordination
December 19, 2020, by Archbishop Paul Etienne at St James Cathedral, Seattle
Greatest joy of formation
Seeing how God touches the lives of my companions in the formation is deeply moving. There have been work, family, and health challenges along the way and I am in awe of and humbled by how my companions have continued to allow God to lead them to a life of service to His Church. The same joy fills me as I reflect on the generosity and wisdom of all who have poured themselves out to make our formation process possible...my loving wife and daughter, the selfless formation team (including my pastor, spiritual director, and deacon mentors), the ever-kind Palisades staff, and the amazing instructors we've had the privilege to have.
Greatest challenge of formation
My personal limitations and deficiencies have been a regular hurdle to overcome in responding to the call to serve especially as it often entails self-abnegation. God's grace alone has allowed the fruition of this call to the sacred order of deacons.
Looking forward to most in ministry
The imprint of God's goodness is clear in the homeless ministry I was involved in, coupled with the prayer life necessary to sustain it. In future ministries, this is the wonder that God will continue to unfold that I look forward to with eager anticipation.
Favorite Scripture passage
Isaiah 55:9-11, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Favorite saint
St. Martin De Porres, an admirable model of humble service and selflessness.
Person or experience that most influenced you to answer the call to the diaconate
Mt. Angel Abbey and the unexpected but providential tour of its reliquary in our family's initial stay at the retreat house in Dec 2013.
Favorite recreations
Running and romcom binges with the family.
“Select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom.”
~ Acts 6:1-7