Deacon Larry Gayton Receives Stephen Douglas Leffler Award

The award recognizes Gayton's exceptional dedication to justice, equity, and community betterment.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Deacon Larry Gayton, who has served in the Office of Multicultural Ministry at the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw for over five years, was awarded the Stephen Douglas Leffler Award on Saturday, February 28. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to justice, equity, and the betterment of the community.

Why it matters

The Stephen Douglas Leffler Award honors those who embody the values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Stephen Douglas Leffler, making a meaningful impact in their local communities. Gayton's recognition highlights the important work being done by the Office of Multicultural Ministry to serve diverse populations within the Saginaw diocese.

The details

Gayton was ordained as a deacon in 2017 and continues to serve at St. Joseph Parish in Saginaw. The Office of Multicultural Ministry assists the bishop and diocese in areas such as migrant ministry, Hispanic ministry, immigration ministry, Black Catholic ministry, and Native American ministry.

  • Gayton was ordained as a deacon in 2017.
  • Gayton received the Stephen Douglas Leffler Award on February 28, 2026.

The players

Deacon Larry Gayton

Has served in the Office of Multicultural Ministry at the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw for over five years and was ordained as a deacon in 2017.

Deacon Willie Haynes

President of the Ezekiel Project Board, who presented the Stephen Douglas Leffler Award to Gayton.

Bishop Joseph Cistone

Ordained Deacon Larry Gayton in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“This recognition is on behalf of all our ministry made visible in our community. This is what the Church teaches, this is the example Jesus left us. The work we do for our community is made possible by all those who have gone before us. All those who have persevered in faith and made countless sacrifices make the work we do possible today.”

— Deacon Larry Gayton (Midland Daily News)

The takeaway

Deacon Larry Gayton's recognition with the Stephen Douglas Leffler Award highlights the important work being done by the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw's Office of Multicultural Ministry to serve diverse populations and promote justice, equity, and community betterment - values that are central to the church's teachings and mission.