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.
DEACON DONALD CLINTON COKER
Assigned: Holy Spirit, Hernando
Spouse: Dana Gale Coker
Hometown: Hernando
Were you raised Catholic, or did you convert to the faith? I was raised Southern Baptist.
Can you share a moment or journey that deepened your faith or drew you closer to the Church? I was as catechist for Confirmation in 2015, when Fr. Bob Tucker, SCJ gave a talk to the Confirmation class about the Road to Emmaus and the Eucharist. For the first time, I felt real clarity about the Mass and the Eucharist and that I could teach that to others.
Would you share your vocation story – how did you get called to the diaconate? I felt a call to ministry since I was 17 years old. I was called to acts of service when I became involved with the very active Knights of Columbus Council 7120. I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to deeper service and prayed for years about what that might be. The diaconate is where He was leading me.
Where do you feel most called to serve as a deacon? I feel most called to serve the family by working in Adult Faith Formation, especially the O.C.I.A. By forming adults, we give them the tools they need to evangelize the world, starting with their own families. As Catechesi Tradendae teaches, ongoing adult faith formation “is the principal form of catechesis, because it is addressed to persons who have the greatest responsibilities and the capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form.”
How has your parish community supported you on this journey? The parishes of Northwest Mississippi have welcomed me into their churches as a minister of the Word and of the Altar. They have attended well several classes that I have taught and talks on our faith that I have given.
What has been most challenging or surprising during this journey? The most challenging part has been the academic formation. The depth of wisdom that the Catholic Church offers is so vast, one could never learn it all. This formation plunged me deeper into this faith than I ever expected! I have come to better appreciate the deposit of faith that our Church offers. With this formation I expect to be able to minister to nearly everyone who may have questions about our faith and if I don’t have an answer, I have accumulated vast resources to research.
What would you say to someone who might be feeling called to the diaconate? Pray, consult your parish priest, seek out a spiritual director, volunteer for your parish charitable works, and form yourself in the faith by attending Mass and reading as scholarly of Catholic books as you can understand.
Optional:
Do you have a favorite Scripture passage and why? Ephesians 2: 8 “For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith. This has not come from you but from the gift of God.” Regardless of what we have done or how unworthy we may feel God offers us salvation because He wills it!
Who is your favorite saint and why? Saint Peter, because like me, he often doesn’t understand and doesn’t know what to do, but Jesus redeems him time and again and gives him a ministry to spread the Gospel.
Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why? The Holy Family. It is the image of who we should be to the world.
What is your favorite liturgy of the year and why? The Easter Vigil or any Baptism because it’s when we welcome new members into the Church, spreading the Kingdom of God.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? I am a veteran of both the MS National Guard and the US Navy. I have lived in Japan and have climbed Mount Fuji.
Any children? My wife and I currently have two teenage daughters, Stelliana Grace and Angelina Faith.
Deacon’s wives questions:
Name (as you want it printed): Dana Gale Coker
What did you think when your husband first began to consider ordination? Honestly, I thought he did not have time to fit it into his schedule without being super stressed out, but he persevered and I am so glad.
How has this journey shaped your marriage and your family life? It has helped us place Christ at the center of our family and teach our children how our family is representative of the Holy Family
How has your parish supported your family during this time? Our priest often emphasizes that our family comes first before the deaconate which helps to continuously center us.
What has been most challenging or surprising during this journey? Scheduling special events around his classes.
Do you have a favorite Scripture passage and why? Psalm 91 because it dispels fear.
Who is your favorite saint and why? Mary The Mother Of God because she brings me to her son and intercedes for me.
Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why? The Divine Mercy Chaplet because it asks for Mercy for not only me but for the whole world.
What is your favorite liturgy of the year and why? The Good Shepherd Sunday (4th Sunday of Easter 2026) because our priest sang us the gospel.