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The permanent deacon is an ordained minister who receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders and is called to a life of service to the People of God in the ministries of the liturgy, the word, and charity. The permanent deacon is called to be a living “image of Christ” (Imago Christi), called to “serve, not to be served.” Diaconate service can only be genuine when it is rooted in humility.
Colin D’Amelio is attempting to create a film illustrating the humble heart of a deacon.
Colin is the son of Deacon Dan and Kathy D’Amelio, Director of the Office of Safe Environments. Born and raised in Connecticut, until recently, he lived in Long Beach, CA, and worked in the film industry. Growing up, he watched classic movies with his parents and was always making videos. Eventually, in college, he studied film production and editing. He has created several films, including A Mayfair Affair and, most recently, The Last Houseboat, which aired at the Catalina Film Festival and the Mystic Film Festival. The film has also won awards at the Long Island International Film Expo (Best Short Documentary) and the Block Island Film Festival (Lighthouse Spotlight Award), among others.
Attending Mass at his local Southern California church, Colin often observed the parish deacon assisting the aged and physically challenged pastor. The deacon never preached a homily but was always there quietly in the background, supporting his pastor.
Colin observed that deacons are often present yet rarely spotlighted. They’re relatable because they walk between several worlds—balancing ministry with marriage, jobs, families, and the same struggles as the people they serve. Colin was moved by his parish deacon’s humble service and wanted to portray it in a film entitled The Humble Servant.
Synopsis:
The film is about Deacon Ramirez, a devoted church leader whom his pastor asks to deliver a homily just weeks after the sudden death of his wife. Still deep in grief, he quietly begins to unravel. His faith—once unwavering—is fractured by questions he never thought he’d ask. As his children challenge him, his parishioners unknowingly pressure him, and even strangers on the street test him, Ramirez begins to doubt whether he can deliver a homily in his current state.
The Humble Servant explores this tension with reverence, compassion, and hope. Filming is scheduled for January–February 2026 in Long Beach, California. Locations include two historic Catholic churches, generously offered by the community.
The cast and crew are largely local, with professional backgrounds in narrative filmmaking, documentary, and broadcast television. Post-production will run from March to May 2026 to complete a festival-ready cut by June 2026.
Colin hopes to submit his work to the 2027 Sundance Film Festival, with additional entries to festivals focused on faith, social impact, and short-form narrative. He wishes to launch a crowdfunding campaign on All Saints’ Day (November 1, 2025) and conclude on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12, 2025). The campaign will be hosted on Kickstarter, where backers can support the film and receive unique incentives such as custom prayer cards, bookmarks, and rosary beads.
Contact: Colin D’Amelio, Director/Writer, at cdproductions85@gmail.com.
Follow the story and campaign updates: @thehumbleservantfilm on Instagram.
By Deacon Benedict LoCasto