Nine men, members of the Parmenas class of deacon candidates, were ordained deacons for the Diocese of Grand Rapids by Bishop David Walkowiak during Mass at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. All were welcome!
Mass was broadcast live on Facebook and on the diocesan website.
View ordination Mass photos:
Meet our 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 each man’s faith as he prepared to begin his ministry. Read their reflections in your January/February 2024 edition of FAITHGR magazine (pgs. 12-17), or in the digital edition.
Please pray for these men as they are ordained and begin diaconate ministry.
Deacon Greg Beasley
Greg Beasley and his wife of fourteen years, Jeanine, are members of Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Rockford. They have three children: Hannah, Kelly, and Dan, and four grandchildren. Greg works as an account manager at Eaton Aerospace. He completed his pastoral internship under the guidance of Father Chris Rouech at Holy Trinity Parish in Comstock Park. Deacon Greg has been assigned to his home parish of Our Lady of Consolation.
Deacon David Bevins
David Bevins and his wife of 32 years, Julie, are members of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Grand Rapids. They have four children: their son Cormac is married to Andrea, and they have four children; their daughter Hennessey is engaged to Sam, Bridget, and Brennan who is married to Brooke. David works as an attorney at Rhoades-McKee PC. He completed his pastoral internship under the guidance of Father Tony Pelak at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Belmont. Deacon David has been assigned to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Grand Rapids.
Deacon Jim Cross
Jim Cross and his wife of 38 years, Lisa, are members of Holy Family Parish in Caledonia. They have three children: Andrew, Casey, and Michael. Jim is a retired elementary school teacher. He completed his pastoral internship under the guidance of Father John Vallier at St. John Vianney Parish in Wyoming. Deacon Jim has been assigned to St. Francis de Sales Parish in Norton Shores.
Deacon Matthew Dugener
Matthew Dugener and his wife of 28 years, Susan, are members of St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Muskegon. They have three children: Nathan, Jared, and Adam. Matthew works as an urban planning consultant. He completed his pastoral internship under the guidance of Father Godfrey Onyekwere at Prince of Peace Parish in North Muskegon. Deacon Matthew has been assigned to his home parish of St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception.
Deacon Lawrence Duthler
Lawrence Duthler and his wife of 23 years, Jennifer, are members of Basilica of St. Adalbert Parish in Grand Rapids. They have three children: Maxwell, Ian, and Owen. Lawrence is president of Sun Title. He completed his pastoral internship under the guidance of Father Stephen Durkee at St. Pius X Parish in Grandville. Deacon Lawrence has been assigned to his home parish of the Basilica of St. Adalbert.
Deacon Fernando Gutierrez
Fernando Gutierrez and his wife of 17 years, Leslie, are members of the Shrine of St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Grand Rapids. They have six children: Ismael, 16, Miriam, 15, Naomi, 14, Natalia, 12, Misael, 9, and Elisa, 7. Fernando is a musician and web coordinator at the Shrine of St. Francis and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. He completed his pastoral internship under the guidance of Father Charlie Brown at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Wyoming. Deacon Fernando has been assigned to his home parish of the Shrine of St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Deacon Randy Hodge
Randy Hodge and his wife of 29 years, Michelle, are members of St. Patrick Parish in Portland. They have two adult children and four grandchildren. Their daughter, Savannah, is married to Austin, and they have two children; and their son, Samuel, is married to Amelia and they have two children. Randy is the high school principal at St. Patrick School in Portland. He completed his pastoral internship under the guidance of Father Darrel Kempf at St. Joseph Parish in Pewamo. Deacon Randy has been assigned to his home parish of St. Patrick.
Deacon Michael Schasser
Michael Schasser and his wife of 36 years, Kaye, are members of Holy Family Parish in Caledonia. They have six children: Daniel, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Christopher, Anna, Theresa, three of the six are married. Michael and Kaye also have two granddaughters. Michael works in training and sales for Carrier & Gable, Inc. He completed his pastoral internship under the guidance of Father Michael Cilibraise at Holy Family Parish. Deacon Michael has been assigned to his home parish of Holy Family.
Deacon Wade Yott
Wade Yott and his wife of 37 years, Tarra, are members of St. Joseph Parish in Pewamo. They have three adult children: Amber, Aaron, and Patience; nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Wade works as a printer. He completed his pastoral internship under the guidance of Father Tony Russo at St. Robert of Newminster Parish in Ada. Deacon Wade has been assigned to his home parish of St. Joseph.
Learn more:
Diaconate formation program in the diocese
Attend the next “Discerning the Permanent Diaconate” gathering
Join Deacon Jerry Roersma, director of diaconate formation, for fellowship, prayer and inquiry.
Date: Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cathedral Square Center, 360 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids, Rooms D/E (Second floor)
