JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz ordained seven men to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Jackson on July 18, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. In the following profiles, the new deacons share their vocation stories, the people and experiences that shaped their faith, and their hopes for serving the people of the diocese.

Click each photo to read about our new permanent deacons and their wives.

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DEACON ENRIQUE AMADOR
Assigned: St. James, Corinth
Spouse: Carolina Fierro-Amador
Hometown: Veracruz, Mexico / Tupelo, Mississippi

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DEACON DONALD CLINTON COKER
Assigned: Holy Spirit, Hernando
Spouse: Dana Gale Coker
Hometown: Hernando

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DEACON JEFF COOK
Assigned: St. Richard, Jackson
Spouse: Ann Cook
Hometown: Madison

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DEACON PABLO GARCIA
Assigned: St. Francis of Assisi, New Albany
Spouse: Isabel Garcia
Hometown: New Albany

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DEACON CHRIS HALLIWELL
Assigned: Holy Savior, Clinton
Spouse: Sandy Halliwell
Hometown: Clinton

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DEACON WILLIAM VAUTROT
Assigned: St. Gregory the Great, Senatobia
Spouse: Ellen Vautrot
Hometown: Sunset, Louisiana

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DEACON HUNTER YENTZEN
Assigned: Holy Savior, Clinton
Spouse: Mary Katherine Yentzen
Hometown: Clinton

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