At the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, where Paul Ryan was instituted as an Acolyte.
A Timoleague parishioner has taken the final step in his formation before b eing ordained a permanent deacon in our diocese.
On Sunday, at Mass in the Cathedral in Cork, Bishop Fintan Gavin instituted Paul Ryan as an acolyte.
Bishop Fintan explained the meaning of this step.
“The ministry itself is simple and practical — assisting at the altar, serving the celebration of the Mass, and helping in the distribution of Holy Communion.”
But its meaning is much deeper, Bishop Fintan said.
“It’s about being close to Christ in the Eucharist, the source of life, and allowing that closeness to shape the whole of one’s life.
Bishop Fintan said that for Paul, the institution as Acolyte is the final step before ordination to the permanent diaconate.
“It is a moment of readiness, of deepening commitment, and of trust in the call that has been unfolding in his life.”
“Paul, you are being drawn closer to the altar, but also sent more deeply into service. The life you receive in the Eucharist is the life you are called to share — in service of the Word, in service of charity, and in service of God’s people.”
[Photos: Mike English]
At the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, where Paul Ryan was instituted as an Acolyte. (left to right) FR Robert Young Co-PP Kinsale Family of Parishes, Tomás Ryan, Paul and his wife Brid, Bishop Fintan Gavin, Anne Ryan, Caleb Cotter and Fr Seam Crowley CC Cathedral Family of Parishes.
At the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, Paul Ryan kneels before Bishop Fintan as he is instituted as an Acolyte.
