Seven new deacons were ordained by Bishop David Walkowiak for the Diocese of Grand Rapids during Mass at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
View Mass videos and photos:
Full Mass: Watch on Facebook
Bishop Walkowiak’s homily:
Photo album:
Meet our diocese’s new deacons
Each deacon went through a five-year formation process leading up to their ordination. FAITH Grand Rapids magazine invited each candidate to reflect on what drew him to the permanent diaconate and how the formation process enriched their faith as they prepared to begin their ministry. Read their reflections in your January/February 2022 edition of FAITHGR magazine (pgs. 16-19), or click here to read the digital edition.
Deacon Daniel Esch
Deacon Daniel Esch and his wife, Patricia, are members of St. Jude Parish in Grand Rapids. They were married at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Parish in Jackson, Michigan. They have three adult children; Madalyn, Abigail and Joseph. Deacon Dan is recently retired after a forty-year career as a civil engineer. He completed his pastoral internship under Father Anthony Pelak at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Belmont. He has been assigned to his home parish of St. Jude.
Deacon Michael Hollern
Deacon Michael Hollern and his wife, Frances, are members of Holy Family Parish in Caledonia. They were married at St. Thomas the Apostle in Grand Rapids. The marriage was witnessed by Michael’s father, Deacon Dale Hollern, who served in the Diocese of Grand Rapids until his death in 2011. Deacon Michael and Frances have three adult children; Kara, Kyle, and Caitlin. Michael retired after a career in operations management at Steelcase. He completed his pastoral internship under Father John Vallier at St. John Vianney Parish in Wyoming. He has been assigned to St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Grand Rapids.
Deacon Thu Le
Deacon Thu Le and his wife, Hong Dinh, are members of Our Lady of La-Vang Parish in Wyoming. They were married at the church of Tam Thai in Vietnam. They have two sons; Peter and Thomas. Deacon Thu is a supervisor at L3–Harris. He completed his pastoral internship under Father Peter Vu at St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Kentwood. He has been assigned to his home parish of Our Lady of La-Vang.
Deacon Donato Perez
Deacon Donato Perez and his wife, Maria, are members of the Shrine of St. Francis Xavier & Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Grand Rapids where they were married in 2013. They have three children; Kevin, Mayra, and Adamaris. Deacon Donato is a self-employed painting contractor. He completed his pastoral internship under Father Stephen Dudek at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Wyoming. He has been assigned to his home parish of St. Francis Xavier & Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Deacon Brian Piecuch
Deacon Brian Piecuch and his wife, Carmen, are members of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Holland. They were married at St. Theresa Parish in Palatine, Illinois. They have five children; Armand, Sofia, Cristina, Lucia, and Austin. Deacon Brian is the director of development and stewardship for the Saint Benedict Institute at Hope College. He completed his pastoral internship under Father William Vander Werff at St. Luke University Parish in Allendale. He has been assigned to his home parish of St. Francis de Sales.
Deacon Tom Roberts
Deacon Thomas Roberts and his wife, Cindy, are members of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Grand Rapids where they were married in 1984. They have three adult children; Kelli, Kaitlin, and Charles. Deacon Thomas retired in 2021 after a career in banking. He has been assigned to St. Mary Parish in Marne and St. Michael Parish in Coopersville where he completed his pastoral internship under Father Ayub Nasar.
Deacon Gregory Sokolowski
Deacon Gregory Sokolowski and his wife, Cheryl, are members of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Parish in Belmont. They were married at St. Joseph Parish in Wright. They have four adult children; Jeremiah, Kenneth, Lorae, and Samuel. Deacon Gregory is a self-employed painting and drywall contractor. He completed his pastoral internship at St. Bartholomew Parish in Newaygo and St. Joseph Parish in White Cloud under Father Steven Geerling. He has been assigned to Holy Family Parish in Sparta.
Learn more:
Diaconate formation program in the diocese
Attend the next “Exploring the Diaconate” gathering
Join Deacon Jerry Roersma, director of diaconate formation, for fellowship, prayer and inquiry.
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 11, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: In the chapel at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (1200 Alpine Church Rd. NW, Comstock Park)
For more information, email jroersma@grdiocese.org, or call Pattie Reynolds in the diaconate formation office, 616-288-0910.
