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The Gatesville Corrections Ministry provides a pastoral presence to men and women inmates incarcerated in TDCJ prison units in the Gatesville region. The ministry is also available to serve TDCJ correctional facility staff and anyone associated with the incarcerated. The ministry is shared by Fr. Harry Dean and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica.
Rev. Harry Dean, Jr.Following the flow of oil, Father Harry claims home towns of Midland, Houston and Austin. After graduating from the University of Texas in Austin in 1984, he began a career in broadcast journalism. On June 1, 1996, Rev. Harry Dean, Jr. was ordained to the priesthood. Father Harry has served the Diocese of Austin in a number of roles, most recently as Vicar for Priests prior to his assignment to the Corrections Ministry. In 2016, he was appointed by the Most Rev. Joe S. Vásquez to minister to the inmates and staff of the major TDCJ prison units in the Gatesville region. Father Harry celebrates Mass, hears inmate confessions, confers the sacraments, and provides spiritual counseling and direction within these units.
Deacon Ronnie Lastovica
Pastoral Care CoordinatorOrdained as a deacon June 18, 2000, Ronnie was appointed Chaplain to Prisoners in 2001 by the Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond, and thus began his journey into prison ministry. He is a member of the first class of the diocese's Institute of Spiritual Direction, completing the three-year program in 2006. In 2014, he was appointed by the Most Rev. Joe S. Vásquez to serve as the Pastoral Care Coordinator for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Gatesville Region, which is comprised of six major TDCJ units housing some 9,000 offenders, including the female Death Row. He is actively engaged in the ministries of administration, adult formation, preaching, pastoral care and spiritual direction within these units.