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.
Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., serves the most vulnerable population in Diocese of Venice’s 10 counties by feeding, housing, empowering, and helping all in need. This summer, you can be the one that makes a difference. Your acts of kindness have the power to transform lives. The giving is easy! To donate to “Summertime and the Giving is Easy Campaign,” please visit 
Grant applications must be submitted online and can be found on the Catholic Community Foundation website 
Father Doherty was born in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. After high school, he moved south to attend Ave Maria University where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics and Political Economy and Government. After working in business for several years and earning a master’s degree in systems engineering from Penn State University, he heard more clearly God’s call to holiness and discerned his vocation to the priesthood, completing his philosophy studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and a theology degree at the Gregorian University in Rome. He is currently studying at the Angelicum University in Rome. He has completed summer assignments at several Parishes in the Diocese of Venice, including St. Leo the Great in Bonita Springs, St. William in Naples, and St. Francis Xavier in Fort Myers. Father will assist at various Parishes throughout the summer before returning to Rome to complete his studies in dogmatic and fundamental theology.
Father Gwynn was born and raised in Palmetto. He was baptized by Father Teofilo Useche, the current pastor of his home Parish, Holy Cross, and confirmed there by Bishop Dewane. A graduate of Palmetto High School, he went on to study at St. John Vianney College Seminary and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. As a Diocesan seminarian, Father Gwynn has had summer assignments at the following Parishes: St. William in Naples, St. Agnes in Naples; Our Lady of Lourdes in Venice; and Our Lady of Grace in Avon Park, St. John XXIII in Fort Myers, and Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, the latter where he served a pastoral year. He currently serves as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and looks forward to becoming a Navy chaplain following five years of priestly ministry in the Diocese of Venice. Father’s first assignment will be as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples.
The second of six children, Father Long grew up in Sarasota, graduating from St. Martha Catholic School and later Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. He earned a degree in marketing from Florida State University and before discerning his vocation to the priesthood, enjoyed a career in marketing in the health care industry. Father Long has always been active in the Church, as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Religious Education teacher, youth group leader and Pro-Life volunteer. He credits his active participation in the Church to leading him to hear God’s call to the priesthood. He completed his theological studies at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. As a seminarian for the Diocese, he served summer assignments at Incarnation Parish, St. Martha Parish and St. Thomas More Parish. Additionally, he attended the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University in Nebraska, later participating in a Spanish Summer Immersion Program in Guatemala. His first assignment as a priest will be as a Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch.
