Get to Know the Archdiocese’s 12 NEW Deacons!
- Denver Catholic Staff
- Jun 23
- 22 min read
Updated: Jul 11
The Archdiocese is still celebrating our TWELVE newest deacons, ordained on Saturday, June 14, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception!
The Denver Catholic caught up with the newly ordained to hear more about what led them to this vocation of service, what they're most looking forward to, and what they might say to those "on the fence" about faith.
Read more to get to know our newest deacons!
Deacon Jim Colburn
Home Parish: St. Peter, Greeley
Assigned to: Our Lady of the Valley, Windsor, and St. Mary, Ault
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
There were so many valuable lessons in formation, so choosing one is a bit difficult. One that does stand out is the depth of God’s use. God can and is using each one of us in ways we don't even know. No one is left out of God's grace. Even those that some would call the worst of the worst, God has them in his heart and is doing things for them they can't do for themselves. Everyone was created in his image and likeness, and even though life has shaped and affected who they are today, the original has never changed. The innocence, the purity and the love woven into each and every one is still there regardless of what others may see or experience. God never loses sight of his children, regardless of how deeply covered they might be. He knows everything about each and every one, and he loves each and every one regardless of what they appear to have become. He never loses sight. Whether you are clergy or not, you are one of God’s graces for those who have died and those whom others have given up on or forgotten. You may have known them, prayed for them, provided necessities for them, but you may not have ever met them. As a person of God, you are one of his ways to give grace to souls in need that are beyond their own capabilities. For instance, if you feel weak or defeated on some days, it could be for many different reasons, only one of which could be that someone else, who had nothing else to give, needed strength. This is especially true for the souls in purgatory. Never stop praying for all those in need, both living and dead, knowing that God hears your prayers and places them where the need is greatest.
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
Baptizing babies! Holding the innocent and unfailing trust of a child in your hands and baptizing them to receive all the graces of that particular sacrament is one of the greatest blessings from God. The parents, all the family members, united in one focused act in bringing this child into God’s house and on the path to receive the rest of the sacraments in time. The village, so to speak, is gathered together in love and responsibility for the innocent and for their protection. The parents are also drenched with the love of God, love for the child and the love of the Church.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
I think it was more of a personal choice to continue what Jesus had already started in me. It's nothing I have done but what he has done. Jesus tells us to follow him, to not be afraid, and you did not choose me, but I chose you. Who can argue with that? If he didn't want me to be here, I wouldn't be. For me, it really boils down to trust, trust in Jesus and all he did, is doing and will do. I want to be a part of whatever he wants to use me for. Today, that is to be his deacon.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
Listen. That curiosity they are feeling is a tug on their heart. Curiosity usually stems from a desire, and the desire they are feeling is the desire of God for them to come to him. Feed that curiosity, ask questions, do some research, read the bible and pray. Pray with your own words. Talk with God just like you would your best friend. Tell him what you are feeling, what your questions are, what you don't understand and that you don't know what to do next. It doesn't have to be a formal type of prayer; it just has to be from you. Then say "thank you" and keep listening to the tug of curiosity. Answers are on the way.
Deacon Brice Glasscock
Home Parish: Holy Family, Meeker
Assigned to: Holy Family, Meeker
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
I learned during formation that God met me where I was, but he didn’t leave me there. He kept calling me to go deeper, to trust him more, and to keep following, even when I didn’t fully understand the next step. I learned the importance of detachment — letting go of the things that pulled me away from him, whether distractions, old habits or even my own ideas of control. Through prayer, I realized I didn’t have to have everything figured out. I just had to keep saying “yes” and stay faithful.
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to serving others wherever they may be on their spiritual journey. Whether I’m preaching, praying with someone after Mass or talking to someone in the grocery store, I want to be the kind of deacon who’s approachable, faithful and present. I’m just here to point people to Jesus — sometimes with words, sometimes just by being there when they need someone to lean on.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
Because I know what life looks like without him and how easy one can fall into hopelessness and despair when the world lets you down. I didn’t grow up Catholic, and I never expected to end up as a deacon. But Jesus found me, called me and keeps calling me. I’ve seen too much — on the streets, in emergency rooms, in my own life — to believe this world has all the answers. I follow Jesus because he’s the only one who brings healing that lasts. And if I can help even one person encounter that love, it’s worth everything.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
Don’t be afraid! If you’re asking questions or feeling restless, that’s a good sign — it means your heart’s awake. I’ve learned in my life, and in the lives of so many I’ve served, that Jesus is ready to meet you right where you are.
Deacon Jerry Hraban
Home Parish: Our Lady of the Valley, Windsor
Assigned to: Our Lady of the Valley, Windsor
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
Prayer. Without prayer, my actions are worthless. We need to pray every day about the decisions or actions we are taking. The more important the decision, the more time we should spend in prayer. Priests and deacons are required to pray multiple times a day; everyone can benefit from this practice.
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
Meeting people wherever they are at in their faith and assisting them to grow closer to God.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
God is real. Heaven and Hell are real. I have chosen to follow Jesus, as he is the way to eternal life. I became a deacon to help others strengthen their faith to the point where they realize true happiness is in following Christ.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
If we look at our lives, we likely have the most happiness when we are following the Ten Commandments. It’s also very likely that our most unhappy, self-inflicted mistakes happened when we were not following the Ten Commandments. If we simply follow these 10 instructions, life tends to be much happier, peaceful and easier.
Deacon Ronnie Hyatt
Home Parish: Christ the King, Evergreen
Assigned to: Christ the King, Evergreen
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
I learned that being a deacon isn't about blowin' up an onion sack. It means showing up for and walking alongside others, helping them find their way home to God, especially those who are suffering, broken, fallen and alone. Being a deacon is a little like being a ranch hand — you tend the flock, mend fences and make sure no one gets lost out on the range. Some days, you’re proclaiming the Gospel, and other days, you’re shoveling snow or fixin' the coffee pot after Sunday Mass (because bad coffee? That’s a sin against hospitality).
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping folks find God in the everyday moments. Whether that’s through preaching, teaching or just sitting on a porch and swapping stories, I want to be the kind of servant who meets people where they are, whether or not they’re riding high or knee-deep in life’s troubles. To bring them back to the sacraments and back to the healing ministry of priests.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
I believe people during this apostolic age are looking for something real, something steady as the mountains, something that doesn’t blow away like pine pollen in June when the winds of adversity begin to blow. That’s why I follow Jesus. He’s the rock that doesn’t crumble, the truth that doesn’t change, and the love that holds firm when life gets as wild as a turkey in a cornfield. I feel that, in this time of adversity, it is so important to me to share with others how Jesus is able to give them stability and love.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
If you’re searching, wondering, doubting or even skeptical, know that God is already reaching out to you. Faith is not about having everything figured out. It’s about taking a step toward the One who knows you completely and loves you unconditionally. Ask questions, seek truth and don’t be afraid to explore the depth of God’s love. You might be surprised where the journey leads. It’s a life worth living, a love worth following and a truth that’ll hold up stronger than an old oak in a storm. Don’t be afraid to take that first step. The Good Lord and his Church always have room at the table.
Deacon Abram Leon
Home Parish: Annunciation, Denver
Assigned to: St. Cajetan, Denver
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
To cultivate and sustain a constant life of prayer and an intimate encounter with Jesus Christ through meditation on the Word and participation in the sacraments, because it is from this relationship that the love for the service I am called to as a deacon flows. Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing.”
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
To serve the holy people of God with love and joy, in collaboration with my bishops and priests.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
One day, I opened the door of my heart to Jesus. I experienced his love, and it changed my life. He invited me to follow him, and I fell in love. He has been the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I want to love and serve him always.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
“Taste and see how good the Lord is” (Psalm 34:9). I tasted and am satisfied. I invite each person to try for themselves; no one else can do it for you. Open the door of your heart to Jesus Christ. “You will be blessed, and it will go well with you” (Psalm 128:1–4).
Deacon Tom Middleton
Home Parish: Our Lady of the Pines, Conifer
Assigned to: Our Lady of the Pines, Conifer
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
One of the great privileges of diaconal formation is that many of our instructors also form the priestly seminarians. Thus, we are exposed to the relative breadth and depth of the Church’s heart, mind and strength. One is able to discover for oneself whether the Church is really, truly and legitimately the Body of Christ and not just another manmade institution? Do its leaders really believe and care? Is the Church’s teaching truly sound, reasonable and practical? Is it actually important for the clergy to perform certain liturgical functions, and are those actions really necessary? Does she value and honor the laity and their unique ministry to the world? I discovered from the inside the answers to those questions: Absolutely!
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
Offering and extending the blessing of the Church to those most in need of her touch.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
I grew up as a Protestant, and at 19 received a calling into the ministry, I thought, to be a pastor of a church. At 29, I was recruited to work as a missionary serving in Europe with my family. Ten years ago, while doing my doctoral studies in missiology at a Protestant seminary, during prayer, God invited me to go down to the local Catholic Church to pray. Upon arrival, the priest, Father Tim Gaines, invited me to join a new class that had formed, led by the late Deacon Jerry Kotas. The class watched and discussed then-Father Robert Barron’s PBS documentary, Catholicism. Father Tim, Deacon Jerry Kotas and Deacon Ron Roderick graciously guided me into the Church while accepting and encouraging my evangelism ministry overseas. When Deacon Jerry passed away a year later, I began to sense God was potentially inviting me to pick up where he left off. As I discerned the diaconate, the most consistently compelling sense I’ve received that this is God’s calling was when I read in the Catechism that the diaconate is a calling unto the ministry, not the priesthood. The Lord had actually called me at 19 when I was a Protestant, and he led me through 23 years of Protestant ministry into the Catholic Church, and another ten years as a Catholic missionary to prepare me for his deepest calling on my life, to sacramentally image Christ the Servant of All. How could I seek any other life than that which the creator of the universe was clearly inviting me into?
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
My first evening of that Catholicism course in 2014, then-Father Barron took us through the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John. He discussed the words of Jesus, that unless we eat his flesh, we have no life in us. We reflected upon the meaning: Jesus is both God and man. As God, he is spirit and the source of our life. As man, he has a body. We, too, are not just a spirit, but also a body. We need God’s (Christ's) Spirit and Body in us to sustain us in our life, so as to be ready and able to be with him for all eternity in Heaven. So, we need Christ’s Body, which we can only find in the Mass. If Jesus is God, and he is, and what Jesus says is true, then when the priest proclaims Jesus’ words in the Mass, “This is my Body broken for you”, that little wafer of bread becomes really, truly and substantially the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. And if we are favorably disposed, when the priest or deacon holds in front of us what looks like a little round wafer, and says “The Body of Christ,” if we receive, we will indeed have Jesus’ life in us, the very life of God. Having consumed God (Jesus), his life can begin to take root in ours, his Spirit guiding us in our choices and actions, which slowly over time come to reflect his desire for us, which is the best, most satisfying and loving life we could possibly have. Receiving the daily bread of Jesus, then, is directly related to God’s Kingdom coming, to us and to those whom he brings into our lives.
Deacon Mark Najarian
Home Parish: Good Shepherd, Denver
Assigned to: Christ the King, Denver
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
I’ve learned that Deacons should be good listeners and engaging with parishioners. Despite reading many academic texts in the seminary, people don’t necessarily want to hear the scholarly stuff. Rather, a deacon should be a relatable, faithful witness to Jesus who is ready to listen, to guide and to serve.
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to simply serving in the parish, whatever that may be. Most parishioners see the deacon proclaiming the Gospel at Mass and occasionally preaching. However, every parish has ministries to serve its members and the broader community through faith formation, religious education and community outreach. I’m excited to plug into whatever needs to be done.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
This question gets to the heart of the calling to the diaconate versus simply becoming an extremely dedicated volunteer in various ministries. I couldn’t articulate this distinction until my second year of seminary. Namely, becoming a deacon and a follower of Christ is now my identity. No matter what ministry I support and what happens in my life, I am first a faithful follower of our Lord Jesus.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
We should all be spiritually curious! Most people don’t have a profound conversion like St. Paul on the road to Damascus, hearing the voice of Jesus. Most of us hear a quiet whisper along our faith journey, inspiring curiosity and requiring persistence. In the spirit of lifelong learning, we should never stop learning and exploring faith. The key is to pick books and discussion groups that are the right level to keep you engaged and spiritually energized.
Deacon Jeff Nepple
Home Parish: St. Mary, Littleton
Assigned to: All Souls, Englewood
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
The immensity of God’s mercy and that all of us need to understand how deeply God loves us every second of every day. “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:4-6).
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
I am excited to be moving to a new parish, meeting new people and serving the community. After four years of training and formation, I am looking forward to serving the parish and making God’s love more visible in the world.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
Faithful Catholics are needed now more than ever, but things are not as bad as we might think. There is always hope: take courage, Jesus has conquered the world. It is particularly important that faithful Colorado Catholics stand up and speak the truth of the Gospel. We must defend life from conception to natural death. Our Catholic faith is beautiful and holy. We are called to show everybody the beauty and holiness of our faith.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
Come and check out the Catholic faith! We welcome you and encourage you to explore the richness and traditions of the Church; they are wonderful, mighty and healing.
Deacon David Orozco
Home Parish: Holy Family, Fort Collins
Assigned to: Immaculate Conception, Lafayette
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
The importance of having a daily prayer life, to consecrate a moment of my day to speak and listen to God. Having a daily encounter with Jesus through Sacred Scripture and staying in the peace and silence of his love. This is the source from which the Spirit's strength and inspiration emanate, allowing me to go out into the world and bear witness to my life in Christ and to the Father's love.
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
To baptize and bring the Word of God wherever I go. To be able to preach Christ’s Word and bring it to everyone around me, so that through his Word, all people may come closer to Jesus and his sacraments, particularly the sacrament of Penance and the Eucharist.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
Where else shall we go? The world has made its proposal, and many have embraced it; I practiced it for a time and found only banality and loneliness. Man's vocation arises from a true encounter with Jesus. Having had this encounter with Christ, my vocation to serve my brothers and sisters, especially those most in need, was revealed to me. Precisely because many are abandoning the practice of faith and seeking truth and happiness, my desire is to lead these brothers and sisters to Jesus, so that they, too, may recognize, as I do, that Jesus is the truth, the way and eternal life.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
Question everything and seek the truth. Personally, I enjoy when people question me about what I say, believe and do, because this forces me to search and understand the reason for what I do and speak. Like a child, go out and explore that vast and beautiful forest that is our Catholic faith. And soon you will encounter Jesus, who is the Truth.
Deacon Alvio Rangel
Home Parish: Our Lady Mother of the Church, Commerce City
Assigned to: Our Lady of the Church, Commerce City
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
It is difficult to summarize in a few words the most valuable thing since each class has a unique and indispensable objective in the integral formation of a deacon. For me, without a doubt, an essential aspect of the formation was the practice and consolidation of a life of daily prayer. We cannot grow in friendship with someone with whom we do not spend time, exchange words and tell our needs, joys and failures. Daily prayer through the Liturgy of the Hours (Lauds and Vespers), Lectio Divina, spiritual readings about the lives of the saints and the constant visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in adoration chapels have created that space and time that I have dedicated to being with Jesus, to know more closely his way of living, preaching, thinking and acting. This friendship relationship has been strengthened by persevering and constantly living the sacramental life (the Eucharist and Reconciliation), where, in a tangible way, we experience the love and mercy of God. It has not been an easy path; it has been full of ups and downs, but the grace of God has sustained me and has allowed me to keep that fire that lives in my heart to always want to be close to the Lord.
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
Evangelization. It is a blessing and, at the same time, a great responsibility to bring the name of Jesus, his life and the means he has left us to attain salvation, the eternal life that he has promised us, to other people through the sources of revelation that the Catholic Church teaches us. And this Good News is not only to bring to those who share our faith, but also to those on the peripheries, those who are distant, confused or non-believers. Likewise, to go to meet those most in need, the forgotten, those who suffer, because Christ is present there. The Lord himself reminds us in the Gospel of St. Matthew 25:31-46, where he tells us that he is there in those who are hungry, thirsty, need clothing, shelter, are sick or in prison. As a member of the Church and a deacon, showing the love and mercy of God for his children fills me with much joy.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
Christ the Lord has been calling me to follow him for years, but at many moments, I didn’t have clarity. I was spiritually immature to understand his call. When one is in the things of the world, worried about so many things like Martha in the Gospel, and I identified with her, because I did not take the time and space to listen to what the Lord was telling me, it is difficult to hear the voice of the Lord.
But in this conquest for me that the Lord has carried out, during these four years of formation, in the moments of prayer and discernment, I was able to see how Jesus, in three essential moments of my life, was calling me and preparing me in a clear way for the vocation to service.
The first time was when I was about twelve years old. I studied at a Catholic school of Ignatian spirituality. In that school, I joined a group called Huellas, and I was able to go twice on missions during Holy Week in places where there were no priests and people were poor in material things but rich in the love of God. There, I had to do the washing of the feet, share the word of God, do the living Stations of the Cross and live the Easter Vigil. It was my first real experience of a living Christ among us.
The second was at twenty-two years old and lasted five years, when I was in the Encuentros Familiares (Family Encounters) of Venezuela, a program created by Father Gabriel Calvo, a group of apostolic character, guided by priests within our Catholic Church. There, I worked mainly with young people and families to whom we brought the Good News (Kerygma).
The third was when I did the Cursillo de Cristiandad, that was here in Colorado five years ago. While there, after reading the final passage in the Gospel of St. Matthew, I decided to take the step toward the path of the permanent diaconate.
In summary, Jesus has been fighting for this lukewarm and sinful man many times, but with gentleness and love, giving me the freedom to choose with a YES the call to service right in these times. Likewise, understanding that all my past experience, the present discernment, and the fact that as a permanent deacon it is possible to go to places where even priests find it difficult to go, have clarified my heart with hope and strength to go in search, guided by the Holy Spirit, of those souls that need to be brought back to the fold of the Church, because we are all children of God.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
That it is good to recognize and teach a Christ who has died for us, for our sins on the Cross. That the Lord, when he looks at us, does not look at our sin, but sees the wonderful things he can do with each one of us if we leave the doors of our hearts open so that he may enter with his grace. That the love of the Father for us and his mercy is greater than the worst of our sins. God wants to forgive us; we should not be afraid to go live the mercy of God in the sacrament of Reconciliation, for the enemy loves to instill fear in weak souls. To recognize that Christ is alive and present in all his soul and divinity in the consecrated Host and Wine, and that this food that he gives us when we attend Mass, when we participate in it worthily, disposes our soul to a life full of virtues and gifts that are pleasing in the eyes of God.
Finally, the blessing that is always letting oneself be guided by the Holy Spirit, that it may be the same Spirit who controls our thoughts, words and deeds in every task we do.
Deacon Ted Rhoades
Home Parish: Immaculate Conception, Lafayette
Assigned to: St. John the Baptist, Longmont
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
To trust in where the Holy Spirit is leading me. I have been so blessed on my journey so far when I let the Holy Spirit work in my life.
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
Bringing Christ to others, through however I am called to do that. It's so exciting to be open, saying, “Here I am. Please, Lord, use me as you see fit.”
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
I have seen how God is working in my life and leading me on this journey. It has been a long one, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
The world today may tell us it has all the answers, but few really know how to love and be loved like God loves us. People are searching for answers, and we only have to look at Jesus to see how much God really loves us. He is our example of how to live our lives.
Deacon Michael Zyzda
Home Parish: St. Frances Cabrini, Littleton
Assigned to: St. Mary, Littleton
What is one of the most valuable things you learned during your formation for the diaconate?
How much we are loved by God! The time in formation intellectually expands your knowledge of God and his Church, but in the hours of prayer, first required but then hungered for, God becomes more personal. Never doubt his love!
What is one thing about the diaconate that you are most looking forward to?
Bringing the love of God to his children.
In an apostolic age when many have left the practice of the faith, why have you personally chosen to follow Jesus, even into a vocation of service like the diaconate?
His call and the world’s need. His call to me was an invitation to continue serving, but much more closely as an image of Christ. I have always served — as a doctor, teacher, climbing instructor. But the world has changed drastically in my life. There is a darkness, a hole, that only Jesus can fill. It is he who invites; it is he who gave me the grace to say yes and follow, and I trust he will lead me and give me the courage to act in his name.
As you begin your ministry of preaching, teaching and service, what words would you like to share with those who may be spiritually curious?
The spiritual world is all around us. We are made to see that there is more than what we can touch or feel. God is calling you through your awareness. Follow that movement of the heart! The Church wants to walk with you; I would love to walk with you.
