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Archbishop Dolan will ordain 12 men to the permanent diaconate at a Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday, June 11, at 9 a.m.
Deacon Carlos Campoverde, 53, of Assumption parish, Peekskill, serves as coordinator of Hispanic ministries in the parish. He holds a bachelor’s degree in teaching from the Catholic University in Cuenca, Ecuador. He and his wife, Ines, have three children and three grandchildren. “This preparation has been a wonderful experience in which we have learned how best to use the time for prayer, studying, working and ministry. This is really a call from God, and so I say, 'Here I am, Lord, at your service.”
Deacon John M. Cunningham, 54, of St. John the Baptist parish, Piermont, has worked for the American Stock Exchange as a managing director, and also served as a vice president of ABN Amro Sago Corp. He holds a master’s degree in business administration in management from Long Island University and a bachelor’s in psychology from Manhattan College. He and his wife, Elaine, have three children. “Formation has taught me that my ministry is to reflect God’s love for His people,” Deacon Cunningham said. “Inspired by Blessed John Paul II’s words, ‘Be Not Afraid,’ and trusting in Christ’s love, I embrace this gift and will share it.”
Deacon Thomas Cusick, 66, of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, Scarsdale, serves as president of the Fifth Avenue Association, and has been employed by the association for more than 20 years. He holds a master’s degree in urban affairs and a bachelor’s in political science, both from Hunter College. He and his wife, Elaine, have two children. “I have come to serve,” Deacon Cusick said. “I am blessed by God to humbly serve at his altar and to carry the message of the gospel to those who are marginalized, who have no food or work for the sake of the kingdom.”
Deacon Timothy J. Dean, 55, of Sacred Heart parish, Esopus, entered the Catholic Church in 2002, and began studies for the diaconate five years later. He is service manager at Earl B. Feiden Inc. in Kingston. He holds an associate’s degree from Ulster Community College. He and his wife, Justine, have four children. “The Lord has called me to share his loving charity and spread his living word in everything I do,” Deacon Dean said. “From discernment to ordination, the Diaconate Formation Program has prepared me spiritually, intellectually and pastorally to be of (God’s) service to my beloved priest and parish and to see his face in all his children.”
Deacon Jose Hernandez, 55, of St. Cecilia’s parish, Manhattan, is retired from the food industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Colegio Universitario del Turabo in Puerto Rico. He and his wife, Maria, are parents of three children and grandparents of two. “Through the program of diaconal formation I have been able to understand that my mission is to evangelize while telling each person that Christ loves them, and that he is close to them,” he said.
Deacon Francis Idehen, 71, of Most Precious Blood parish, Walden, is retired from St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was chief radiation therapist. He holds a doctorate of education in health and behavior studies from Columbia University and a bachelor’s in radiologic and health science from Manhattan College. He and his wife, Violet, are the parents of five and grandparents of two. “The call to the diaconate is a unique opportunity for me to serve the People of God, especially the poor and the needy,” Deacon Idehen said. “I thank God for even considering me for this profound calling, and so I say, ‘Here I am Lord, I have come to do your will.”
Deacon Richard Juliano, 52, of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish, Shrub Oak, is vice president of operations for the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District. He holds a bachelor’s degree in police science from John Jay College. He and his wife, Helen, are the parents of two and the grandparents of one. “I pray that I am a worthy minister of word, altar and charity,” Deacon Juliano said. “I am grateful to God for his graces and blessings.”
Deacon Dale Konas, 63, of St. Lawrence O’Toole parish, Brewster, is a medical equipment sales representative for Konas Associates Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Empire State College. He and his wife, Rosemary, are the parents of seven and the grandparents of two. “Service has always been a part of my life,” Deacon Konas said. “The Lord in his goodness called and I responded with all my heart and soul to serve him and his people.”
Deacon Paul Kosinski, 57, of St. Mary’s parish, Rosebank, Staten Island, is general manager of Ultimate Mortgage Brokers Inc. He is a high school graduate. He and his wife, Eilean, are the parents of three children. “God has blessed me with a grace to serve those infirmed and hospitalized,” Deacon Kosinski said. “I am privileged to bring the love of God to them through my ministry.”
Deacon George Sica, 64, of St. Joseph’s parish, Croton Falls, who is retired, previously worked for Prudential Insurance Co. for 24 years. He is a high school graduate. He and his wife, Marguerita, are the parents of four and the grandparents of seven. “My diaconal ministry to the poor, the sick, and those in danger of death has enriched my life and made me a more loving, humble servant,” Deacon Sica said. “Inspired by Christ’s words, ‘I am always with you,’ I am ready to serve the community with love and humility.”
Deacon Robert Pang, 60, of St. John the Baptist parish, Piermont, is now working as school bus driver. He previously was a senior software specialist and assistant director at Ernst and Young LLP. He holds a master’s in business administration in finance degree from St. John’s University and a bachelor’s in accounting from Pace University. He and his wife, May, are the parents of three and the grandparents of three. “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you,” said Deacon Pang, quoting Jesus’ words in John’s Gospel. “I have been blessed with the opportunity to prepare myself spiritually and pastorally to serve the people of God in this archdiocese.”
Deacon Patrick So, 60, of St. Teresa’s parish, Manhattan, is a social worker and psychotherapist. He holds a doctorate in clinical social work, a master’s in social work and a master’s in psychology and counseling, all from New York University. He and his wife, Shiun, are the parents of one. “My formation has helped me to discern my call to diaconate,” Deacon So said. “I am grateful to God for his many graces and blessings received as I now prepare myself to serve him and his people for his greater honor and glory.”
