“The second of six children, I grew up in Sarasota and graduated from St. Martha’s Grade School and Cardinal Mooney High School and eventually Florida State University with a degree in Marketing. I was always active in the Church, as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Religious Education teacher, Youth group leader and Pro-life work. I believe God was calling me to the priesthood and after a few years of theological formation and some very good spiritual direction, I entered seminary. I completed my theological studies at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary outside of Boston. In my free time, I enjoy getting together with friends and family, as well as rowing, racquetball/pickleball, hiking or anything outdoors.”

“My vocation to the priesthood has been on my heart since I was about four years old—I can still vividly recall being mesmerized by the priesthood.”

Deacon Jacob Gwynn

“I was born and raised in Palmetto, Florida, and baptized as an infant at my home parish, Holy Cross, by our current pastor, Fr. Teofilo Useche. From as early as I can remember, my Catholic faith has been the foundation of my life. I graduated from Palmetto High School and later attended St. John Vianney College Seminary and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. I enjoy kickboxing, going to the gym, reading, and cooking. I am currently a lieutenant in the United States Navy, preparing to serve as a chaplain after five years of priestly ministry in the Diocese of Venice.”

“I was born in a small town outside Philadelphia. In college I moved south to attend Ave Maria University (located in the Diocese of Venice) and majored in Mathematics and Political Economy & Government. Following graduation, I worked at the Hertz Corporation in Estero for four years and earned a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering from Penn State University. I am a third-degree Knight of Columbus. My vocation grew through teaching youth catechesis at Our Lady of Light in Fort Myers. I have completed philosophy studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida and a theology degree at the Gregorian University in Rome. Currently I am working on further studies at the Angelicum in Rome.”