In this episode we meet Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa of the Diocese of Brooklyn in New York. Podcast host Msgr. Bill Fay explores what made Deacon Gerardo discern the priesthood. Gerardo has always lived a life in service to others. He worked in the restaurant industry, as a waiter and server’s assistant…serving many people he encountered daily. There came a time where, for three years, a local priest consistently asked him to consider the priesthood. And each time Gerardo denied the invitation…until the priest kicked him out of his parish! This priest saw something in Gerardo that Gerardo himself did not understand. He doubled down on his Bible readings, heard friends and family also encouraging him. One morning, when he asked the Lord “what do you want me to do?,” the Lord answered him clearly. He was expecting a different answer! Deacon Gerardo tells us of his own surprise at the life of a priest, the JOY he has witnessed and also experiences while he continues his formation at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. He is ready. People have approached him and told him “We need you.” He accepts the challenges and the joys of priesthood and looks forward to his ordination. Tune in for a very honest conversation. And find out, did he ever see that local priest again?

Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in the spring of 2025.