Nine Permanent Deacons Say “Yes” – A New Chapter of Ministry Begins!
Nine men responding to God’s call were ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. The Most Rev. Bishop Vincent Nguyen, Vicar for the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Toronto, presided at the Ordination Mass surrounded by family members, clergy, friends and faithful from across the archdiocese.
In his homily, Bishop Nguyen encouraged the newest permanent deacons of the archdiocese as they embark on a new chapter of ministry and service to the community:
“Abide in Christ’s love in your daily listening to the word of God. Draw your strength from the nourishment of the sacraments. Be close to Christ in those you serve. Rooted in Christ’s fidelity to the Gospel, your life and your ministry will show the world the face of Christ the servant, who laid down his life on the cross for our salvation. So beloved sons, today our Lord appoints you to bear fruit, fruit that will last and abide in his love.”
The ordination marked the culmination of years of discernment, spiritual formation and pastoral preparation for the candidates and their wives as the newly ordained deacons begin a life of faithful service to the Church and the broader community.
Permanent deacons are ordained for life and are called to a three-fold ministry of assisting at the altar, proclaiming the Gospel and serving those in need through charitable outreach and pastoral care. In addition to assisting at Mass, deacons may preside at baptisms, witness marriages and minister in hospitals, long-term care homes, outreach centres and other community settings.
The Archdiocese of Toronto offers our prayers and best wishes to the “Class of 2026”:
- Deacon Ian Chung – St. Agnes Kouying Parish, Markham, serving at Carefirst One-Stop Multi-Services Centre, which offers health, social and community services.
- Deacon David Della Rossa – St. Padre Pio Parish, Kleinburg, providing pastoral ministry at Aspira Villa Da Vinci Retirement Living.
- Deacon David Fischer – St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Oshawa, serving through Ripples of Kindness, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting local charities and building community.
- Deacon Mark McLeish – St. Patrick’s Parish, Markham, ministering at L’Arche Daybreak, a community serving adults with intellectual disabilities.
- Deacon Scott McMaster – St. Clement Parish, Etobicoke, continuing pastoral ministry at Cortellucci Hospital.
- Deacon William Onuwa – St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, Mississauga, serving residents at Amica Credit Mills senior living community.
- Deacon Jess Perucho – St. Patrick Parish, Mississauga, offering outreach ministry through The Open Door community support centre.
- Deacon Ernest Pereira – St. Rose of Lima Parish, Scarborough, ministering at Bendale Acres Long-Term Care Home.
- Deacon Erik Spence – Immaculate Conception Parish, Sutton, providing pastoral care at Hospice Georgina.
The faithful are invited to continue praying for these newly ordained permanent deacons and their families as they begin their ministry in loving service to Christ and His Church.
Lord Jesus Christ,
You called these men to serve Your Church
as heralds of the Gospel and ministers of charity.
Bless our newly ordained Permanent Deacons
with humble hearts, steadfast faith and joyful spirits.
Strengthen them as they serve at Your altar,
care for those in need and proclaim Your Word.
Guide and protect their families,
and fill their ministry with compassion, wisdom and peace.
May their lives be a faithful witness to Your love
and draw many closer to You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
