The Permanent Deacon
The Acts of the Apostles 6:1-6, describes how in the first century, the Church was faced with the challenge of responding to the needs of those who were at risk of being marginalised, either through culture or through material poverty. Keeping in mind the example of Jesus, the apostles selected and ordained a number of men specifically for this service. Saint Stephen (26th December), the first martyr, was one of those chosen to carry out the ministry of being a deacon.
For several centuries, deacons ministered in close co-operation with the bishops of the Church, assisting at the Eucharist, preaching the Gospel, and exercising a ministry of charity. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), founder of the Franciscan Orders, is probably one of the best-known deacons (though many tend to assume that he was a priest). Gradually, in the Western Church, the functions of deacons were absorbed into the ministry of the priest, and the diaconate became a transitional order for those on the way to the priesthood. The diaconate continued to exist as a permanent ministry, but only in the Eastern Churches, including those in full communion with Rome.
Vatican II proposed the restoration of the diaconate as a “distinct ministry of service” to be exercised “in communion with the bishop and his group of priests”. Many of the functions which deacons perform can also be carried out by members of the lay faithful. The restoration of the diaconate is not intended in any sense to change that situation. The idea is that some of those who already exercise these functions would be “strengthened with the grace of diaconal ordination” and, in that way, would be designated to be a visible public sign of Christ the Servant in the community of the Church.
What does a parish deacon do here in our diocese? Well, a deacon performs several liturgical duties within a parish. Deacons assist priests at Mass by proclaiming the Gospel, preaching the homily, and serving as ordinary ministers of the Eucharist. Deacons also baptise, witness marriages, and preside at funerals or burial services.
Some years ago, Kevin Devine (one of our deacons here in Lurgan) was asked to take on the responsibility as Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Dromore. Working with a team of committed formators, he has journeyed with several candidates who were ordained for ministry.
In September 2025 Seán Farrell (Tulylish Parish), Patrick Gallagher (Craigavon Parish), Daniel McAnulty (Newry Parish), Pearse Thornbury (Saint Peter’s and Saint Paul’s Parishes Peter’s Parishes, Lurgan) were ordained permanent deacons in Newry Cathedral.
For any enquiries you might have about the permanent diaconate, please telephone Kevin at 028 3832 3161