HIGH POINT — Deacon John Armando Clarke has been assigned as a permanent deacon to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish effective June 24.
Deacon Clarke, his wife Dawn and their six children have moved to Archdale from Hollywood, Fla., to expand the family boat building business to the Carolinas.
Deacon Clarke was born Aug. 15, 1977, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. As a child, his family moved to North Miami Beach, where they attended Holy Family Parish and where he graduated from Chaminade-Madonna High School. During high school and upon graduation he worked in the family boat building business. He and his wife Dawn were married on Nov. 25, 1995, at Nativity Church, her family parish in Hollywood. Early in their marriage Deacon Clarke returned to Chaminade-Madonna High School as its wresting coach and eventually left the family business to become a police officer in the SWAT and K-9 units.
In 2006 Deacon Clarke attended a retreat at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. Soon after he became a volunteer and promoter for the retreat house. He was so involved that he became a Passionist Associate and gave retreat talks.
On Dec. 6, 2014, he was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Miami by Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski. After ordination, Deacon John was assigned to St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., where he was involved in youth ministry and served as an advocate with the tribunal. In addition, he was assigned to the archdiocesan Respect Life Office, where he participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C., was the main speaker for Youth Chastity Day, and counseled abortion-minded fathers.
Deacon Clarke, who speaks fluent Spanish, said he looks forward to working with the pastor, deacons and parishioners at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
— Deacon John Martino