Deacon John Rivas was born at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and raised in the Bronx. He relocated to Orlando in 1999, where he met his wife, Leidy. They married in 2001 at St. Joseph Parish in Orlando and have two children, Alejandra and Brandon. In 2019, they became founding members of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, where they currently lead the Fully Engaged marriage ministry. Deacon John also serves as operations manager for St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in St. Cloud, while Leidy serves as the Director of the Culture of Life Office for the diocese, under Catholic Charities of Central Florida. Together, they find joy in serving their community. 

Deacon John was ordained June 15, 2024 at The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, Florida.