Deacon Mike Ryba, Parish Life Director

Immediately following high school, Deacon Mike Ryba began working at a bank in Chicago doing data entry and then programming. After 40 years in the corporate world, he was ready for a change.

“Shortly after my wife, Lisa, and I were married, I turned to her while in church and said that I was going to become a deacon one day,” Deacon Mike says. “I was 25 years old at the time, which is too young for formation, but at the age of 49 when I told her that it was time, she knew exactly what I was talking about.”

On Nov. 29, 2022, Deacon Mike became the Parish Life Director at St. Timothy after first hearing about the opportunity through a fellow deacon while attending the annual Deacon Retreat at the Bethany Center.

“He told us they were having their Fall Festival the next day, so Lisa and I came by to show our support and were given a tour of the campus,” Deacon Mike says. “We fell in love with the campus itself as well as the variety of ministries they had to offer.”

At the time, Deacon Mike was a parishioner at St. Stephen in Riverview and a deacon there. Since a deacon’s obedience is to the bishop and the diocese, Deacon Mike petitioned to have his canonical assignment moved to St. Timothy.

“I had the option of staying at St. Stephen and doing liturgical and sacramental responsibilities or petitioning the bishop who can move deacons according to needs,” Deacon Mike says.

As St. Timothy’s Parish Life Director, Deacon Mike assists the pastor with assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating, as well as oversight and coordination for all parish ministries and supervision of staff. He works with the pastor to provide pastoral support for the mission of the parish.

“This position is about being present for parishioners and sharing my faith life in helping them build a deeper relationship with the Lord,” Deacon Mike says. “I assist where I can, whether that’s a family need or financial need. My goal is to be a servant and that is what I truly love doing.”

Over the past months, Deacon Mike has found his position very rewarding. In fact, now he believes that he doesn’t have a job — he has a vocation.

“It feels like I’m where I always needed to be, and it’s great to get up in the morning and be excited to go to work,” Deacon Mike says. “The roles of Parish Life Director and deacon flow well together, and I truly am a deacon all the time.”

Lisa also supports her husband in several ways, including helping him balance life at home and work at the parish. They have open dialogue and work together as a “deacon couple.”

“St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta is one of our favorite saints, and we try as best as we can to emulate her in ‘doing small things with great love,’” Deacon Mike says. “I pray that St. Tim’s will come to know that even when we are doing small things, we are doing so with all of the love we can give — not only to the parish but, most importantly, to the Lord.”

As many parishioners may already know, Deacon Mike is a big sports fan and played hockey in high school and later in men’s leagues.

“I grew up a Blackhawks fan, but since moving to Tampa, I can say I am a Lightning fan, although I still cheer for the Hawks,” Deacon Mike says. “If there is a sport on TV, I am probably watching it. I also enjoy reading, playing golf, listening to music, going to the movies with my wife, and hosting parties at our home.”

Deacon Mike and Lisa are very excited to be part of St. Timothy’s community and are thankful for all the support they have received so far.

“After 40-plus years in the corporate environment, it is refreshing to work among people who share the same faith, values, and morals,” Deacon Mike says. “Helping others to grow in their faith and serve the Lord inspires me each day. I love to serve, which is at the heart of being a deacon, and this role allows me to do it at an even greater level every day.”

St. Timothy’s Deacon Mike Ryba and Lisa Ryba