After six years of dedicated service as Associate Director of the Diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection (OCYP), Deacon Octavio Echeverria announced his retirement, effective Jan. 31. Dcn. Echeverria has been an integral part of the Office of Child and Youth Protection team, and his skills and contributions to the protection of children and youth in the diocese have left a lasting impact, said Elder Samaniego, OCYP Director.
“Throughout the years it has been very nice to have my second family here at the Pastoral Center,” Dcn. Echeverria said during a Mass of Thanksgiving held Jan. 26 at the Pastoral Center to mark his retirement. “You’ve shown me a lot of kindness, and I really do appreciate it.”
Dcn. Echeverria will continue to share his gifts through his diaconate ministry. He is currently assigned to The Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Redlands. With his background in information technology, Dcn. Echeverria also continues to serve on the Caritas Telecommunications Board of Directors for the diocese.
He was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes on Nov. 17, 2012.