By: Jay Sorgi
14 men begin their calling of serving God by serving people
Fourteen men from around the East Bay began a lifelong calling of serving God’s people beginning on Oct. 11, when they were ordained by Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, as permanent deacons.
Deacons are “the public minister of Christ the servant,” says Deacon Tim Moore, the diocese’s Director of the Permanent Diaconate and Permanent Deacon Formation through their ordination. Deacon Moore’s retirement as director was announced at the end of the ordination Mass.
Deacon Moore describes the diaconal call as “You’re in service to all those in need, and definitely carrying the banner of the social justice teachings of the church to represent that justice in the ministries we do and bring people to live out their baptismal call.”
These men own 14 unique life stories, each of which will color the way they serve God through serving the people of Oakland and the East Bay.
See their official ministerial appointments here
Oakland’s 14 new deacons
Name: Mario Butzner, Jr.
Hometown: Born in Southern California, grew up in Oakland, lives in Mountain House
Parish: Catholic Community of Pleasanton
Biography: 53 years old, married 16 years with five kids, spent many years as a broadcast radio manager and an audio engineer of my production company
Why the diaconate? I felt a deep calling to serve others as a vessel of God’s love in everyday life, humbly walking with people in their joys and struggles.
Key tidbit: I have a “ministry of sound” where I handle my church’s audio needs, produce a daily parish podcast and serve as a DJ at parish events.
Name: Domingo ‘Dom’ Comandante II
Hometown: Born in Quezon City, Philippines, lives in Union City
Parish: St. Edward, Newark
Biography: 64 years old, married 32 years with two kids, a registered representative at New York Life
Why the diaconate? I have carried with me the conviction that my personal experiences and life lessons are meant to help others, give them hope and desire to want to be closer to God.
Key tidbit: I love to eat and travel. My wife and I join pilgrimages with spiritual growth, cultural immersion, new friendships and savory foods
Name: Jose Feliciano
Hometown: Born in Quezon City, Philippines, lives in Union City
Parish: Holy Spirit, Fremont
Biography: 58 years old, married 29 years with three kids, a realtor and loan mortgage consultant
Why the diaconate? John 15:16: “You did not choose me but I chose you.” Rom 8:28: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”
Key tidbit: I share my name with singer/guitarist Jose Feliciano. I don’t think I have a singing voice but I DO sing in the shower!
Name: Michael Gallagher
Hometown: Born in Oakland, lives in Pleasanton
Parish: Catholic Community of Pleasanton
Biography: 61 years old, married 37 years with four kids, work in packaging and supply chain sales with Veritiv
Why the diaconate? The Holy Spirit has been calling me to the diaconate for a long time. It was time I said yes!
Key tidbit: Nothing gives me greater joy than to be in service of others. I genuinely love people. I am open to surrendering to the Holy Spirit to work through me.
Name: Oscar Garcia
Hometown: Born in Saltillo, Mexico, lives in Fremont
Parish: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Biography: 57 years old, married 30 years with three kids, a senior process engineer at Lucid Motors
Why the diaconate? One day, I talked to my kids about the priesthood, hoping they might feel called. They turned it around and said, “Why don’t you go?” A week later, the parish vicar asked me about becoming a deacon. That question touched my heart.
Key tidbit: My wife and I are members of the diocese’s Hispanic Family Life Council, promoting Gospel values in marriage and family life.
Name: Nelson Gonzales
Hometown: Born in the Philippines, lives in Lafayette
Parish: Christ the King – St. Stephen
Biography: 63 years old, married for 44 years with three kids and six grandchildren, a consultant with Tanner Pacific and a retired civil engineer
Why the diaconate? In front of the Blessed Sacrament at a Cursillo retreat, I fell in love with Jesus. I have served the church for 38 years. The Holy Spirit again called and led me to the diaconate. Again, I said yes.
Key tidbit: I have been to seven World Youth Days, performing at four of them with my Friends of Jesus band.
Name: Rey Gonzalez Valenzuela
Hometown: Born in Mexicali, Mexico, lives in West Oakland
Parish: St. Ambrose, Berkeley
Biography: 48 years old, married for 30 years with three kids, work as a construction foreman
Why the diaconate? Simply, to serve the people and spread the Gospel.
Key tidbit: I enjoy spending time with my family, love the Christmas season, and the outdoors.
Name: Victor Herrera Garcia
Hometown: Born in Lima, Peru, lives in Concord
Parish: St. Francis of Assisi
Biography: 62 years old, married for 38 years with two kids and three grandchildren
Why the diaconate? I became seriously ill without hope of surviving, but experienced closeness with Jesus. A miracle happened, and I went home on Thanksgiving Day. I knew the Lord had a purpose for me. Two weeks later, my son told me the bishop was inviting men for the diaconate. My answer was “Here am I Lord.”
Key tidbit: Pope Leo XIV became a Peruvian citizen. His dedication serving the people of God inspires me to serve others with humility and love.
Name: Sunil Kunju
Hometown: Born in Deolali, India, lives in Fremont
Parish: Holy Spirit
Biography: 51 years old, married 23 years with two children, work for the City of San Francisco
Why the diaconate? I was invited & encouraged by a deacon to discern the call, plus a deep desire to learn and grow spiritually in my faith that I had inherited as a cradle Catholic.
Key tidbit: I love music, sports, motorcycles, like solving puzzles and problems, and am skilled with computers. I love meeting & working with people and helping them in ways I can.
Name: Keith Machi
Hometown: Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, lives in Pleasanton
Parish: St. Isidore, Danville
Biography: 55 years old, married 27 years with one child, a director of religious education and evangelization
Why the diaconate? The Holy Spirit has been tugging on my heart for over a decade. I was a little nervous and apprehensive. I had my first in-person meeting about the calling, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. This is where God wanted me to be.
Key tidbit: I am a proud geek. I enjoy Star Trek, Zelda, and am a hobby boardgamer.
Name: Wynn De Asis Norona
Hometown: Born in Catubig, Philippines, lives in Martinez
Parish: Christ the King – St. Stephen
Biography: 48 years old, married for 17 years with two kids, works for the State of California in social services
Why the diaconate? During COVID-19, in God’s perfect timing, a friend unexpectedly blurted out “You should consider becoming a deacon.” Unmistakable signs surfaced. Everything seemed to align with the vision to be a servant.
Key tidbit: I met my wife through Singles for Christ. Through their witness and fellowship, my understanding of what it means to live a life rooted in Christ has deepened.
Name: Jesus Ochoa
Hometown: Born in Lorain, Ohio, hometown is Sahuayo, Mexico, lives in Concord
Parish: St. Bonaventure
Biography: 63 years old, married 36 years with four kids, retired
Why the diaconate? I want to share the hope I’ve found in Jesus by showing His love to those who don’t yet know Him, stand by the lonely, and be of support to those who need someone when they don’t have a voice.
Key tidbit: No matter the risks, my heart lies in helping the homeless.
Name: Martin Padilla
Hometown: Born in Canadas de Obregón, Mexico, lives in Livermore
Parish: St. Charles Borromeo
Biography: 55 years old, married for 32 years with two kids, work as a real estate broker
Why the diaconate? I was called to priesthood around 12 years old, but a kid on the farm has to help and my father never allowed me to go to the seminary. But when God starts something, He will work in you. During COVID-19, my spiritual life was at its lowest. He called me and pulled me out of my brokenness.
Key tidbit: “Never resist God. You will lose every time.”
Name: Sevuloni Ratabumusu Baleinakorodawa
Hometown: Born in Savusavu, Fiji, lives in Oakland
Parish: St. Jarlath
Biography: 52 years old, married for 21 years with three kids, works as a pest control technician
Why the diaconate? I want to give back to the Church and community, with a deep calling of service and the need to be present to others in times of crisis, to experience a deep meaning of encountering Christ through people’s need.
Key tidbit: I’m a lector, sacristan, Eucharistic minister, acolyte, service in music and liturgy, and with the Knights of Columbus.
Photos by Joe Golling