Deacon Ray Gallego started writing Gospel reflections some months ago. He felt that with the COVID lockdown that the Word of God needed to get out to the people. So he started with daily reflections. He amassed quite a following of these reflections, which he sent like clockwork early every weekday morning.
In time, though, he took a new role that made it harder for him to do these reflections everyday. He asked some of his fellow permanent deacons to help, and DEACON-5 was born! Now, he has four fellow helpers, each sending out one Gospel reflection each week.
DEACON-5 is made up of the following Catholic Deacons from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles:

Dn. Ray & Connie Gallego
Deacon Ray & Connie Gallego have been married for 35 years. They are assigned to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Rowland Heights; CA. Ray currently works as a Director for Mary’s Village (a subsidiary of Mary’s Mercy Center) which is a Transitional Living Facility for men. Ray was ordained in 2019.

Dn. Chuck & Linda McDaniels
Deacon Chuck & Linda McDaniels have been married for just about 33 years. They are assigned to St Rita Parish in Sierra Madre. When not ministering as a deacon couple, Deacon Chuck is an IT Project Manager, and Linda is a substitute teacher extraordinaire. They would also never object to having margaritas (Just ask Deacon Ray & Connie!). Chuck was ordained to the diaconate along with Ray and George in 2019.

Dn. Paul & Ana Machuca
Deacon Paul & Ana were ordained on August 22nd, 2020 and are part of the Beatitudes of Our Lord Parish family in La Mirada. They have been married for 40 years, have four children and six grandchildren. Both retired from State Service in 2017 and are enjoying serving our church in different ways and ministries.

Dn. George & Tricia Mora
Deacon George & Tricia Mora have been married for 22 years and are blessed with three children, and six grandchildren. They minister together at their home parish of St. Cornelius, Long Beach. Deacon George was ordained in 2019.
Deacon George and Tricia are involved in several ministries; both are active board members of the St. Francis Center, of Long Beach. They are involved with their Garden of Hope community garden, where they are bringing volunteers to help grow, harvest and deliver 600 lbs. of fresh vegetables to local area food pantries and shelters in Long Beach.

Deacon Mike and Martha celebrated 50 years married June 2022. We have 3 adult daughters and 3 granddaughters. Deacon Mike was ordained in June 2010 and assigned to Beatitudes of Our Lord Catholic Church, La Mirada. We are both retired and serve our parish in the R.C.I.A. program, visiting the sick and homebound, Spiritual Director for the Los Angeles Cursillo and other ministries.

Deacon Carlos and Marianne have been married for 26 years and are blessed with 4 adult children, and five grandchildren. After being ordained in 2018 he was assigned to St. Dominic Savio Church in Bellflower, their home parish. Occasionally he also assists at St. Gregory The Great Church in Whittier.
Retired from the aerospace industry, Deacon Carlos now works part-time as Chaplain at the local juvenile hall. He is also involved with Kairos International, a ministry providing 3-day retreats in state and federal prisons.
Members of the Past:

Dn. Steve & Rose Hillmann