Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

On June 8, 2024, Bishop John Noonan will ordain 18 men to the Permanent Diaconate. In formation for the past five years after one discernment year, they are prepared to enter a life of diakonia or service to their communities, guided by the Holy Spirit. This is the second of two issues offering an insight to these men as they approach their Ordination at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. For those unable to attend ordination, the Mass will also be available to view via livestream on the Diocese of Orlando’s Facebook page or the Diocese of Orlando’s YouTube channel.

"Born in Nagua, Dominican Republic, and raised in the Catholic faith, Francisco Peralta lived in his homeland until he was 14, then moved to Puerto Rico. The family relocated to Orlando almost 30 years ago. Peralta is an accountant and small business owner in central Florida. Married to his wife, Maria, for almost 26 years, the couple has three daughters."

"In 2001, the couple became actively involved in the Spanish charismatic group, Siervos de Cristo Vivo, at Good Shepherd Parish. Peralta said this is where they first encountered God’s presence in their lives. For six years they took many Bible courses, growing in faith and love of God."

"Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Joseph Pizzarello was raised in Port St. Lucie until he moved to Orlando in 1995 to attend college. After meeting his wife, Kristy, he became a parishioner at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park. They have four children."

"Pizzarello is a client implementation manager for Champions Brand of Kindercare Education, working with school leaders to implement creative solutions for out of school programs. Pizzarello has worked in youth programming for close to 30 years."

"Although John Rivas was born at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, his family relocated to New York when he was 2. He spent his youth in the Bronx, leading a very secular life."

"In 1999, God led him to Orlando where he met his wife, Leidy, through a mutual friend. They married in 2001, at St. Joseph Parish in Orlando. In 2019, they became active members of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Orlando as part of its original founding families. The couple has two children."

"Rivas leads the Fully Engaged Marriage ministry and manages schedules for the liturgical ministry volunteers. He said engaging in ministry beyond the parish walls began with his volunteer work with St. Vincent de Paul prison ministry, offering him a glimpse into the lives of marginalized individuals in society."

"José Rodriguez, known as Joselito, described his journey as filled with faith, family, and a deep commitment to serving others."

"Born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, in 1977, his childhood involved frequent travels due to his father’s military service. In 1996, his family moved to Orlando. There he met his wife, Giselle. The couple married in 2003, at Blessed Trinity Parish and joined St. Isaac Jogues Parish a year later."

"Luis Rodríguez-Colón was born and raised in Puerto Rico to Luis and Gilda. He has two brothers. He was formed in Catholic schools and university. During his late high school years, he thought he was called to the priesthood, but discerned it was not his vocation."

"Steven Tennant, a cradle Catholic, grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with his two sisters, and brother. He credited his parents, Raymond and Mary, and his grandparents with laying the foundation for his passion and love of the Catholic faith. Tennant enjoys outdoor sports, including fresh and saltwater fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and skeet shooting."

"George Torres is one of seven children. He was born in the Dominican Republic to parents Jorge and Yolanda. Educated in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, he received a medical degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo in 1986. He met his future wife, Angie, in the Dominican Republic and they married in 1990. They have two sons."

"Mark Zeitler was born into a family of faith. He, his brother and two sisters attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in South Plainfield, New Jersey. In 1974, the Zeitler family relocated to Orlando and found a new spiritual home at Blessed Trinity Parish. Zeitler and his wife, Liz, are celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary this year. The couple are owners of the commercial air conditioning and electrical company, Automated Buildings, Inc."

"Bryan Zornik moved to Orlando with his family as a child. He and his wife, Maryanne, have two sons. Zornik is a culinary manager for Red Apple Dining."