PHOTOS | 'Through Him, With Him and In Him': Remembering 133 Deacons of the Archdiocese of Denver

Deacons from across the archdiocese gathered to honor their deceased brothers in the Annual Deacon Memorial Mass at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wheat Ridge. (Photo by Majewski Digital Photography, courtesy of the Office of the Diaconate)

By Deacon Ernest Martinez Director of Deacons

Archdiocese of Denver

One hundred and thirty-three deacons have gone to their eternal reward since the reinstitution of the diaconate in the Archdiocese of Denver. Behind that number lies an ocean of grace; thousands upon thousands of Baptisms, weddings, funerals, hospital visits and home blessings, and hours spent teaching the faith. Each of those moments reveals the hidden face of Christ the Servant made present through the ministry of these men.

For decades, our deacons have stood beside the altar, proclaiming the Gospel, assisting at the Eucharist and walking with God’s people toward Christ’s embrace. They have taught in OCIA classes, visited the sick, consoled the grieving and strengthened marriages. Their vocation is not one of prestige, but of presence. As they receive the Book of the Gospels from the archbishop at ordination, they hear the charge: “Receive, believe, teach and practice.” It is a call to embody the living Word of God in every corner of the world.

On Friday, October 3, 2025, at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wheat Ridge’s Gallagher Chapel, those 133 deacons were remembered with gratitude and prayer at the Annual Deacon Memorial Mass. Father Matthew Book, archdiocesan vicar for clergy, presided as deacons, widows, families and friends gathered to celebrate lives poured out in service and sacrifice. Beneath the autumn sky, the Church offered thanksgiving for men who carried Christ into prisons and parishes, workplaces and weddings, conferring his mercy through countless acts of humble love.

During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, as at every Mass, a powerful symbol unfolds. The priest raises the Body of Christ, while the deacon lifts the chalice beside him. Together they embody the fullness of Christ’s self-offering: priest as head, deacon as servant, united in one act of sacrifice. In that moment, the priest recites, and the deacon silently prays, “Through him, with him, and in him…”, a prayer that captures his entire vocation. Gratitude wells up: “Jesus, thank you for calling me into this gift, for allowing me to share in your sacrifice and service. Transform me through this ministry.”

133 deacons were remembered in the Annual Deacon Memorial Mass this year.

Faithful from around the archdiocese gathered to pray for deacons who had passed.

"Someday, my brothers will pray for my family," Deacon Thom Garcia shared.

Father Matthew Book, archdiocesan vicar for clergy, celebrated the annual memorial Mass.

Father Matthew Book, archdiocesan vicar for clergy, celebrated the annual memorial Mass.

Faithful from around the archdiocese gathered to pray for deacons who had passed.

Faithful from around the archdiocese gathered to pray for deacons who had passed.

Father Matthew Book, archdiocesan vicar for clergy, preaches during the annual memorial Mass.

"Someday, my brothers will pray for my family," Deacon Thom Garcia shared.

Deacon Ernest Garcia, archdiocesan director of deacons, proclaims the Gospel during Mass.

(Photo by Majewski Digital Photography, courtesy of the Office of the Diaconate)

That same gratitude filled the hearts of those gathered at Mount Olivet.

“At the Mass for our deceased brothers, it struck me how we were also praying for their families and the sacrifices they made for these men to serve as deacons, and their healing as they mourned,” shared Deacon Thom Garcia. “Someday, my brothers will pray for my family.”

His words echo the diaconal truth that vocation is shared; it also belongs to wives, children, and grandchildren who give generously of their time and love.

For Marie Sandoval-Warner, daughter of Deacon Alfonso Sandoval, former archdiocesan director of deacons, the day stirred both memory and peace.

“The calm serenity and beauty of the outdoor altar at Mount Olivet was an inspiration to the memory of my dad, and the great work he did for Jesus in his lifetime,” she said. “I fight back the sadness of losing him by knowing he has attained eternal happiness in Christ. Being surrounded by deacons was heartwarming as I remembered the world Dad lived in and how it continues today.”

Her testimony reveals the continuity of the diaconate, a fraternity that spans life and death, earth and Heaven. The memorial celebration itself is a labor of love.

“It is an honor to be part of the team that helps coordinate this annual Memorial Mass,” said Deacon Marc Nestorick. “Our brother deacons and their families have given so much to our community through their service and witness. It is both humbling and deeply moving to remember them and to lift them up in prayer.”

Each year, this gathering reminds us that the diaconate is not a ministry that ends at death; it is a lifelong “Amen.” The men remembered at Mount Olivet once stood at the altar holding the chalice of salvation; now they drink from it eternally. Their witness continues to inspire the living to serve more faithfully, love more deeply and believe more completely that all glory and honor belong to God, through him, with him and in him, forever and ever.