Two married Clonmel men admitted as church deacons
New deacons Lazarus Gidolph and Tom Fitzgerald, both from Clonmel, with the Bishop of Waterford & Lismore, Willian Lee, and Fr. Pat Fitzgerald.
Two married Clonmel men were admitted to the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Waterford Lismore last Saturday evening.
Among the areas of ministry in which the new deacons will participate are the celebration of baptism, of marriages, presiding at funerals, proclaiming the Gospel at the Liturgy, preaching the homily, assisting the priest at the celebration of the Eucharist; bringing the Eucharist to the sick at home and in hospitals, presiding at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament; facilitating the development of lay ministry, visiting the sick, the bereaved, and the promotion of the Church’s social teaching on justice and human rights.’
Bishop William Lee presided at the ceremony of Admission for Tom Fitzgerald and Lazarus Gidolph, both from Clonmel, who were formally recognized and welcomed as candidates for ministry.
In the presence of their wives, family, friends and the worshipping community, they declared their resolve to prepare for service of the Lord and His Church as ordained deacons.
The candidates have already completed over two years of study and formation with a view to their ordination to the Diaconate in 2014.
This occasion was the outcome of Bishop Lee’s decision, following consultation, to establish the ministry of the diaconate in the Diocese. The Diocese is presently seeking suitable candidates to join with those who will commence formation in September of 2013. A number of men have already offered themselves for training and formation.
The restoration of this ancient ministry opens the door to married men, who must be thirty-five before they can be accepted as candidates. Since marriage is their primary vocation, the Church requires that a married candidate has the formal consent of his wife.
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Weather for Clonmel
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
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