Ministers of the African Diaspora Serving the Archdiocese of Atlanta

For a list of all the deacons serving in the Archdiocese of Atlanta and their current assignments, please visit the Deacons of the Archdiocese of Atlanta page.

The Permanent Diaconate

Rev. Mr. Joseph Barker, Sr. – Metropolitan Tribunal Reverend Mr. Joseph Barker, Sr. was born in Houston, Texas on August 10, 1936 and grew up in Tacoma, Washington. He completed his high school studies in Weisbaden, Germany. Deacon Barker served in the military from 1955-1958 (82nd and 11th Airborne Division). He attended Prairie View A&M University from 1958 to 1962 earning double degrees, in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics. He was married in 1959 to Richardine Leola Moore. Deacon Barker was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on December 3, 1988 and he serves at the Metropolitan Tribunal.
Rev. Mr. Alfred Mitchell – Sts. Peter and Paul Reverend Mr. Alfred Mitchell retired as Director of Deacon Personnel for the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2005. He is assigned to Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Decatur, where he has been a parishioner for twenty-eight years and a Deacon since May, 1987. Deacon Mitchell is married to the former Josie B. Young. They have two adult children. Deacon Mitchell frequently conducts workshops for lectors, days of reflection and gives retreats for deacons and their wives in dioceses around the country. Since 1998 he has been a presenter in the Retreats International Summer Institute at the University of Notre Dame. Deacon Mitchell is an accomplished storyteller.
Rev. Mr. Fred J. Sambrone, Jr. – Retired Reverend Mr. Fred J. Sambrone, Jr., and his wife, Connie, are active in marriage preparation ministry with the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. They also lead the African American Marriage Preparation Program and conduct marriage enrichment and relationship workshops throughout the Atlanta Archdiocese and nationally. Deacon Sambrone was ordained in 1987. He holds a D.M.D. Degree in Dentistry from the Medical College of Georgia (Augusta, Georgia) and a Degree in Pharmacy from Xavier University of Louisiana.
Rev. Mr. Chester Griffin – Our Lady of Lourdes Reverend Mr. Chester H. Griffin was ordained to the permanent Diaconate in February 2003 and is assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He is a native of Texas with a Bachelor Degree in Music Education from Howard University and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Georgia State University. In his home church, Our Lady of Lourdes, he is Director of the OCIA Program, Deputy Grand Knight of the Knights of Peter Claver, a member of the AIDS Committee and the Pastoral Council. Deacon Griffin is married to Janis Erwin. They have two children. In addition to his service in the church, Deacon Griffin is the Faithful Friar of Fourth Degree Knight of Peter Claver Assembly #43. He is a professional musician and music educator, with over 30 years of experience. He serves as a private instructor, adjudicator, clinician and conductor throughout the state of Georgia. He also has been elected Vice President of District IV of the Georgia Music Educators Association. He currently serves as the principal bassist for the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Atlanta Chamber Orchestra, Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, and the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with numerous local, national and international musicians and entertainers, including Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Roberta Flack, Donald Byrd, Freddie Cole and Janice Martin.
Mr. Bill Simmons – St. Anthony of Padua Bill is a native of Atlanta and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary Catholic School and St. Joseph Catholic High. He is married with three children. He has a B. S. from Georgia Tech and an M.S. from McNeese State College (LA.) in Chemistry. Bill is currently the Director of Research and Development at the Bronner Brothers Co. here in Atlanta. He was ordained a deacon in 2007.
Mr. Levi Jelks – St. Anthony of Padua Deacon Levi Jelks is a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. He is Registered Nurse, in the Critical Care and Trauma area. He holds Nursing Degrees from Clayton State University and Southern Community College (Tuskegee, Alabama). He has also attended Auburn University in Montgomery and Tuskegee University, as well as New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Levi and his wife, Kim, are active members of the RCIA Ministry at St. Anthony's. He is a former Certified Georgia Police Officer. Deacon Jelks was ordained in 2004.