Deacons Renew Ordination Promises at Annual Mass

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A special Mass for Permanent Deacons from across the Diocese was celebrated by Bishop Patrick on 1st October at Sacred Heart Parish, Leicester. It was the first time this Mass has been celebrated since the pandemic and it provided an occasion for deacons and their wives to gather, pray, reflect and enjoy each other’s company. During the Mass, the deacons were invited to renew their ordination promises. Many of their wives, who were also in attendance, reaffirmed their commitment to support their husbands in building up the local Church. Deacon Chris Steven gave the homily and he reminded those gather to continue to remain firm and steadfast in their relationship with Christ, saying ‘Here I am, Lord. Send me.’ After lunch, there was an opportunity for a Q&A with the Bishop. He reminded the Deacons that their commitment to service can take many forms and he affirmed them in their ministry saying:

"It is a blessing to see all the good things that deacons do around the diocese, and all that your wives sacrifice for this."

The gathering also provided an occasion to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Deacon Raymond Keogh (Oakham), Deacon Kevin O Connor (Leicester) and Deacon John Wilford (Lincoln). They were ordained in 29th November 1997 and were presented with a Papal Blessing to mark their anniversary. There was a moment to remember the five deceased deacons from their class of 1997: John Parker (9 April 2019), Raymond Faghy (23 February 2019), Bernard Croft (17 February 2019), Harry Tompkinson (6 May 2016),  and Tony Brown (2 May 2008). Deacon Paul Boshell (Retired) who was unfortunately unable to attend, will be presented with a Papal Blessing at a later date in November, to celebrate his Silver Jubilee. Those who had died since the last Annual Deacons’ Mass in 2019 were especially remembered in prayer: Robin Pollard (24 February 2021), Peter Brogan (28 January 2021) and James Baxter (30 September 2019).

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The Diocesan Mass for Deacons is held annually on the first Saturday of October, Next year’s Mass will on Saturday 7th October 2023 at 12 noon and the venue will be confirmed nearer the time.

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Permanent Deacons are involved in a wide range of ministries, but usually are assigned to a parish, where they proclaim the Gospel and assist the priest at Mass, oversee or support parish ministries and charitable activities, administer baptisms, officiate at weddings, and distribute Holy Communion to the sick and housebound.  

For more information on the Permanent Diaconate: dioceseofnottingham.uk/vocations/deacons  

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