Permanent Deacons from the Diocese of Venice participated in a gathering aimed at boosting fellowship on Aug. 2, 2025, at San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte.
Themed “I Wish I Had Known Then What I Know Now,” more than 40 Deacons and their wives participated in the gathering. The Deacons took part in the Mass, and afterwards there was a praying of the liturgy of the Hours for the men and their wives.
Following dinner, Deacon Craig Dutka, Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto, opened the meeting by explaining how he was among the Deacons assigned to increase the fellowship and connection among the Deacons of the Diocese.
Deacon Dutka explained how when he was ordained in 2023, he was relatively new to the Diocese of Venice and knew few people, let alone other Deacons. He is the only Deacon assigned to Holy Cross. He took his own initiative to reach out to other Deacons. Since then, he has developed a wide range of connections which, he says, has helped him to become a better Deacon, husband and man.
Deacon Dutka said the 90 Permanent Deacons in the Diocese of Venice, and several dozen others who are retired or inactive, have experiences that should be valued and shared among all Deacons. The gathering at San Antonio was the first step in making that possible.
“We each come from different backgrounds and Parishes and have many lessons we have learned that could benefit other Deacons in wonderful ways,” Deacon Dutka said.
Deacon J. Robert Gaitens, Diocesan Director of Diaconate Formation from St. Martha Parish in Sarasota, echoed Deacon Dutka’s sentiments and spoke about the importance of the Deacons learning from each other.
Using the example of the 11 newly ordained Deacons, Deacon Gaitens illustrated the gifts that each brought to the ministry in the Diocese. The group, the largest class in Diocesan history, was ordained by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on May 31, 2025.
“It was a such an enriching experience learning from each of them in how they grew in their faith. That is something the rest of the Deacons can benefit from. You can learn from them, while they can learn from you. It is a beautiful opportunity to share the journey you are taking in this special ministry.”
Deacon David Reardon, Diocesan Director of Diaconate Personnel from Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Fort Myers, said his prayer was to strengthen the Permanent Diaconate program in the Diocese by ensuring no Deacon is alone or forgotten.
Mary Reardon, wife of Deacon David Reardon, also encouraged the wives and families to create a stronger connection with each other emphasizing the sharing of life experiences in the family, the Diaconate, in the Parish, and in the Diocese, are invaluable to all.
Deacon Reardon said all future Deacon gatherings will serve not just as educational meetings, but have a strong fellowship component, with opportunities to build up the spiritual strength of the Permanent Deacons of the Diocese of Venice.
