A group of 10 men were admitted in the Candidacy to the Permanent Diaconate by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Oct. 25, 2025, at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota.
The men, who are from across the Diocese, are in the third year of a five-year formation program to the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Venice. The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is an important step that leads to the diaconate. It is a public recognition on the part of the Church that these men are indeed pursuing the path which leads them to the Permanent Diaconate.
Bishop Dewane said Admission to Candidacy is also a declaration on the part of the 10 men to publicly commit that they are and will engage in the formational process, in all its dimensions, with ever-greater dedication and vigor and the highest integrity. This is all made possible by the nurturing support of God’s grace and the support of their families, their formation team, and the prayers of the Church.
Like the disciples, Bishop Dewane said the diaconate candidates are undergoing a spiritual journey, diving into the vocation in greater depth in knowing, loving, and following Jesus as never before.
“Each of you were called by the Lord and you show your response by your presence here,” Bishop Dewane said. “The commitment you make must change you – making you more that man of God. And by striving to live out your vocation, you form yourself ever more deeply to Christ.”
As part of the Rite, the men were called by name and together they took a pledge to complete their spiritual journey and resolve to form their mind and heart to faithfully serve Christ the Lord, in His Body, the Church.
The candidates for the Permanent Diaconate Class of 2028 are: Aldo Boldi, St. Patrick Parish, Sarasota; William (Oscar) Gamble, St. Raphael Parish, Lehigh Acres; Kyle Goneau, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Sarasota; Ted Harb, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples; Matthew Harkness, St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral; Matthew Lesak, St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton; Roberto Lewis, St. Agnes Parish, Naples; George Smith, Incarnation Parish, Sarasota; Alex Tsai, Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria; and David Wallace, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers.
There are currently more than 90 active Permanent Deacons serving in Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice. The most recent Permanent Deacon group of 11 was ordained by Bishop Dewane on May 31, 2025.
The mission of the Permanent Deacons of the Diocese is to serve as ministers of the Word, where they proclaim the Gospel, preaching and teaching in the name of the Church; helping the needy; serving the faithful; ministering the Sacrament of Baptism; leading the faithful in prayer; witnessing marriages; and conducting wake and funeral services.
Please join in praying for those in the diaconate formation program as they continue their journey to become closer to Christ!
