Three new permanent deacons – Ali Perez, Karl Pierzchajlo, and Kevin Keech – have been welcomed into the Archdiocese of Edmonton at St. Joseph’s Basilica.
The July 22 ordination Mass, attended by hundreds, brought together the families of the candidates, members of the clergy, and the wider Archdiocesan community in a joyful celebration of faith and service. Retired Bishop Paul Terrio of the Diocese of St. Paul served as the principal celebrant. The ordination was an important milestone for each deacon and their family.
Megan Keech, daughter of Deacon Kevin Keech, said witnessing her father’s journey over the past four years was deeply moving.
“He’s everything I want in a dad and everything I want in a deacon,” she said. “The whole Basilica was so silent… you could really feel God’s presence.”
Her sisters, Letisha and Kayla, both nurses, echoed the sentiment. They spoke of their father’s conversion years ago and how this moment felt like a continuation of his lifelong desire to serve. “To see how that has grown into this… it’s incredible,” Letisha said. “It felt like God opened His arms and fully embraced him.”
Aaron Perez, son of Deacon Ali Perez, reflected on the five-year formation process his father underwent.
“He found a great balance between his studies and his family,” Aaron said. “It brought us closer together.” The ordination, Aaron added, was a moment of “overwhelming pride… seeing all his hard work and dedication finally paying off.”
For David Pierzchajlo, watching his father Deacon Karl enter ordained ministry felt like a natural step.
“Church has always been such a big part of our life,” he said. “This just seemed like another perfect way for him to keep going.”
A Catholic school teacher himself, David said it actually felt fitting to now be considered a “pastor’s kid.”
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