Biography
Reverend D. Ryan Saunders, M.Div., MSCM, is a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Miami, ordained on June 27, 2020, by Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski at the Cathedral of Saint Mary in Miami. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 17, 1983, Father Saunders is a product of Catholic education in South Florida, attending Saint Anthony Catholic School and Cardinal Gibbons High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Public Relations from Barry University.
Before entering seminary, Father Saunders served the Archdiocese of Miami in liturgical leadership roles, including Director of Liturgy and Special Events at the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Associate Director in the Office of Worship and Spiritual Life. He also spent several years in public service, serving as Deputy Campaign Manager for a Broward County Commission race, and Chief of Staff to Commissioner Chip LaMarca, now a State Representative.
In the Fall of 2013, he entered priestly formation for the Archdiocese of Miami, studying at Saint John Vianney College Seminary and Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity. Following ordination, he served as Parochial Vicar at the Church of the Epiphany and later as Priest Secretary to Archbishop Wenski.
Father Saunders currently serves as Pastor of Saint David Catholic Parish and School in Davie, Florida, having been appointed Parochial Administrator in 2024 and installed as Pastor in 2025. He also serves as Secretary of the Presbyteral Council of the Archdiocese of Miami and represents the Southwest Broward Deanery. In addition, he serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of LaSalle Educational Center in Homestead, Florida, where he chairs the Academic and Mission Committee and helps advance the institution’s Catholic mission of serving those in most need.
Committed to excellence in Church leadership, Father Saunders earned a Master of Science in Church Management from Villanova University. Father Saunders brings to his ministry a unique combination of ecclesial leadership, pastoral experience, public service, education, and organizational management. His diverse background, coupled with a deep commitment to the mission of the Church, enables him to serve as a compassionate pastor, effective administrator, trusted advisor, and dedicated steward of the Gospel.