Nine candidates will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacon by Cardinal Roger Mahony on June 13 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Those to be ordained and their wives, members of the Mother Teresa Formation Class of 2009, have undergone a five-year period of study, service and prayer in preparation for their new ministry as permanent deacons, for which they will be assigned to their home parishes.

Francis and Clara Tchoi, Catholic converts baptized 23 years ago in Korea, say the upcoming ordination represents "quite a new opening in our lifetime [and] a real 'Amazing Grace' for us all" in Los Angeles where culturally-diverse immigrant residents "are the new Diaspora in this era and area."

Candidate Dale Sheckler said the highlights of his formation experience included "the bonding among my brother and sister deacon couples in the group" as well as being introduced to spiritual practices such as centering prayer and lectio divina His wife Kim added that being a deacon couple in formation made their marriage even stronger and resulted in "phenomenal" spiritual growth.

"I recommend the diaconate program to anybody who's feeling the calling," said Dale Sheckler, a Catholic convert and scuba diving publisher/trade show producer who counts St. Brendan the navigator, guardian of seafarers, as one of his patron saints.

The following are brief profiles of the new deacon couples, including some of their current ministries of charity and justice.

Gustavo and Elena Catipon, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles. Gustavo is the director for the Cathedral Outreach and Elena is a retired nurse. Their ministries of service include feeding the homeless, outreach to those on skid row, homeboy ministry, and prison ministry.

Leonard Paul and Elisapeta Fido, Our Lady of Victory, Compton. Leonard is a security officer and Elisapeta teaches at the parish school. Their ministries of service include ministry to the sick and to the poor.

Alan and Holly Holderness, St. Louise de Marillac, Covina. Alan is a controller and Holly is the church secretary. They are involved in prison ministry, bereavement ministry and ministry to the homebound.

Romeo and Priscilla Ligot, St. Pancratius, Lakewood. Romeo is an administrative manager and Priscilla is an account management specialist. They are involved in ministry to the sick and bereavement ministry.

Paul and Michelle Pesqueira, St. Mariana de Paredes, Pico Rivera. Paul works for the United Parcel Service and Michelle is a homemaker. They are involved in bereavement ministry and parish confirmation programs.

Ronald and Barbara Sanchez, Immaculate Conception Parish, Monrovia. Ronald is an information systems analyst for the County of Los Angeles and Barbara is an office manager. Their ministries of service include ministry to seniors, prison ministry, and bereavement ministry.

Dale and Kim Sheckler, St. Lawrence Martyr, Redondo Beach. Dale is a publisher, trade show producer and Kim is an editor/trade show executive director. Their ministries of service include ministry to the poor, All Life Charities (Harbor area). They are involved with the Office of Restorative Justice (Get on the Bus), and the Pregnancy Help Center in Torrance. They are also RCIA team participants and involved in religious education for the parish.

Francis and Clara Tchoi, The 103 Saints Korean Catholic Center, Torrance / St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Lomita. Francis is a real estate broker and Clara is self-employed (coin laundry). They are involved in ministry to the homeless and ministry to the sick.

Victor and Fe Maria Dolores Tiambeng, St. Martha, Valinda. Victor is a systems programmer and Fe is a special ed instructional aide. They participate in social justice ministry, marriage preparation, and liturgy.