By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted June 3, 2024

Five men will be ordained permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Saturday, June 8 at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul during Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez.

All are invited to watch the livestream here on Catholic Philly and on St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s Facebook page.

Learn more about the permanent deacon program in the archdiocese through the School of Diaconal Formation at the seminary.

The following men will be ordained permanent deacons:

Christopher DeMaio is a member of Saint Margaret of Antioch Parish in Narberth.  He and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of Alexandra, Christopher, Olivia, Ariana, and Joseph.  Christopher attended Saint Augustine Prep/Sacred Heart High School in New Jersey and Temple University.  He is an Allstate Insurance Agent with DeMaio Insurance Agencies.

John J. Ellis, Jr. is a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Milmont Park.  He and his wife, Christine, are the parents of Elizabeth Ann, Ashley Theveny (David), John (Amber), and Francis and have nine grandchildren.  John graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys.  He is a Senior Project Manager with DVL Group Inc.  John’s father, Deacon John J. Ellis, Sr., is a retired permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Michael R. Fohner is a member of Saint Dorothy Parish in Drexel Hill.  He and his wife, Kathleen, are the parents of Matthew, David, Daniel, and Mark.  Michael graduated from Archbishop Wood High School.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University and his Master of Science in Engineering Management from George Washington University.  He is a Deputy Superintendent with the United States Mint.

Jaime A. Gándara and his wife, Jeanne Velasco-Gándara, are members of Saint Bridget Parish in Philadelphia.  Jaime graduated from S.F. Austin High School in El Paso, Texas.  He received his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at El Paso.  He is an Engineering Supervisor/Project Manager with the Philadelphia Water Department’s Green Stormwater and Stream Design Unit.

Robert J. Szipszky is a member of Saint Mary Magdalen Parish in Media.  He and his wife, Patricia, are the parents of Michael (Brooke), Jack (Mikayla), Brian, and Natasha.  Robert graduated from Red Bank Regional High School and received his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Villanova University.  He received his Master of Arts in Theology from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in May 2024.  Robert retired as a Partner/CPA with PwC.  He supports Catholic Education through service on various Boards and as an adjunct professor at Neumann University’s School of Business and tennis coach at Sacred Heart Academy.