Eleven men- Hector Aguirre, Armando Berumen, Hernan Calderon, Cesar Chavez, Héctor Ramón García, Thomas Imbruglia, Carl Jones, Andres Raul Lozada, Alfonso Pastrana, Jose Ramirez and Manuel Vides- will be ordained as permanent deacons on August 26, at Holy Family Parish, Hesperia at 10:00 AM. There will be a livestream of the ordination, which can be found at: www.youtube.com/sanbernardinodiocese
Read below about the men and what drew them to the Permanent Diaconate.
Hector & Deifilia Aguirre
Home Parish: Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga
Occupation: Retired
Ministries of Interest: The Foodbank ministry at my parish and pastoral care of older adults and seniors, will definitely be my priority as an ordained deacon.
What inspired you to become a deacon?
I think the source of my inspiration was Brother Nery who is a Franciscan Priest and Deacon Roberto Cardenas, both of whom, through there example of sacrifice for and service to the community, showed me that choosing to follow Christ by giving one’s whole self, as they do, is one of the best decisions in life.
Armando & Maria Berumen
Home Parish: Holy Family Catholic Church, Hesperia
Occupation: Trash truck driver
Ministries of Interest: Prison Ministry, Catechesis of Adults and visiting the sick and homebound
What inspired you to become a deacon? When I began to follow Jesus, I noticed I had so much to give thanks for. I started to serve in prison ministry and in the Divine Mercy ministry. This led me to study and prepare myself, then I realized I could serve better as a deacon.
Hernan & Yolanda Calderon
Home Parish: Saint George, Ontario
Occupation: Truck driver
Ministries of Interest: Besides helping the Pastor in the liturgy, I would like to visit the sick.
What inspired you to become a deacon?
It was during my CMFP classes and also during my service in my community that I felt the call to become a Deacon.
Cesar Chavez & Maria Ochoa
Home Parish: San Santiago El Menor, Perris
Occupation: Prefabricated Home Construction and Assembly
Ministries of Interest: Pastoral Care and to serve God’s people that suffers violence, racism, indifference, and rejection, especially our migrant brothers and sisters.
What inspired you to become a deacon? He offered up his only son for me, and that would be enough to inspire me, but at different times He has shown himself in my life, in my family and in His Church without leaving a trace of doubt that He remains with us.
Héctor Ramón & Victoria García
Home Parish: Immaculate Conception
Occupation: Construction
Ministries of Interest: I think that the way that God has shown himself in my heart is so that I can engage any one of the different ministries in which I might serve as a permanent deacon.
What inspired you to become a deacon?
I came to the feet of Christ 16 years ago without believing in the gospel or in its truth or in the good news even less so having that great faith that could characterize me as a good or spiritual person. I was only a traditional person. One day on my way to the church, I was invited to go on a marriage retreat here at Immaculate Conception. It was a Saturday and Sunday and ever since then I have recognized the presence of God in my life.
Thomas & Vivian Imbruglia
Home Parish: St. Peter & St. Paul, Alta Loma
Occupation: Roofing sales
Ministries of Interest: Sacramental Preparation, in particular Baptism, and spending time with residents of a local recovery facility.
What inspired you to become a deacon? I felt it important that I use the gifts given to me in service to Him. This led to Ministry Formation classes (PMFP & CMFP) as a way to continue my spiritual growth, while at the same time help with my discernment toward the Diaconate. After finishing Ministry Formation, it was clear to me that I could be of greatest service as a deacon.
Carl & Michelle Jones
Home Parish: St. Anthony Church, San Bernardino
Occupation: Safety Regulatory Analyst – Retired
Ministries of Interest: Letio Divina Bible studies, Pastoral care for the Sick, Gospel Music ministry, and Food (Charity) ministry.
What inspired you to become a deacon? Being a Gospel Choir Director and Catechist for 20+ years and seeing the power of the WORD in song touch and transform the people of God, as well as my own spirituality increased through gospel contemplation, and silence selecting songs that emphasized the WORD. This opened my heart to hear “take this to the next level.” It was the PFMP course, and the spirit-filled married couple (Deacon Eric & Rosalie), instructors, that set me ablaze with the Love of God to serve his people.
Andres Raul & Teresa Lozada
Home Parish: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Rancho Cucamonga
Occupation: Material handler
Ministries of Interest: Pastoral Care, the Ministry of Lectors, Ministry with Marriages, Ministry of Extraordinary Minsters of Holy Communion and Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
What inspired you to become a deacon? I heard the call to the Diaconate in different ways, the most recent was through my formation in the CMFP program through the Ministry Formation Institute, in which I learned about the richness of our Catholic Faith. At the same time, I got to know Jesus more deeply, about his love and how he gave his life for me.
Alfonso & Elizabeth Pastrana
Home Parish: St. Martha, Murrieta
Occupation: Waiter
Ministries of Interest: Sacred Liturgy, the Sacred Word and Charity, Pastoral Care of Adults, the Elderly, Catechesis for Adults, Family Ministry and Evangelization.
What inspired you to become a deacon? The inspiration to become a deacon began with a profound desire to serve my community unconditionally. Over time and with constant discernment, I realized that I had a vocation. The spiritual and pastoral needs of my household, my parish community and my neighborhood are the primary source of inspiration for my diaconate.
Jose & Olivia Ramirez
Home Parish: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Desert Hot Springs
Occupation: Pool service
Ministries of Interest: I would like to serve in the ministry to parents, I like to share with them, talk to them about God, I think it is important to continue to catechize parents.
What inspired you to become a deacon? It was Jesus Christ who was my inspiration as I saw the needs of the children in religious education, and I wanted to find a way to help. This was one of various inspirations. Hearing the call of Jesus to the diaconate, saying yes to the Lord, who keeps inspiring me every day to continue this wonderful walk with Christ.
Manuel & Senia Vides
Home Parish: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Ontario
Occupation: Law Enforcement
Ministries of Interest: I like the evangelization and formation of the faithful. I have a specialization in advanced liturgy and would like to be able to assist liturgical ministries in their ongoing parish formation.
What inspired you to become a deacon? God has given me the grace of Service. I consider myself a friendly person with good feelings. I like to help people who need my help or who I see need my support. I like to train leaders and help them develop in their responsibilities. I also like to discover and develop new ways of teaching, learning, and continuous formation.