A deacon stands at the meeting point between the altar and the world
This was Bishop Fintan’s message to the newest permanent deacon in our diocese who was ordained last Sunday.
Paul Ryan was ordained in his parish church in Timoleague by Bishop Fintan at a concelebrated Mass attended by Paul’s family and friends, other deacons and priests, along with parishioners from Timoleague and across the diocese.
“A deacon brings the needs of people to the altar, and he carries the charity of Christ from the altar back to the people,” Bishop Fintan said in his homily.”
Paul grew up in west Co Clare but has been living in Timoleague for over 20 years.
Addressing Paul during the Mass, Bishop Fintan acknowledged that a vocation grows and is nourished during a person’s own growth.
Pictured are Tomás Ryan, Deacon Paul Ryan and his wife Bríd, Bishop Fintan Gavin and Anne Ryan. (Photo BGM Media)
“Paul, your vocation has been shaped over many years: by your parents, by your early life in Clare, by your family life with your wife Bríd, by your children Anne and Tomás, by your work in UCC; by your parish community here in Timoleague, by the people who have encouraged you and by the many experiences of faith, service and prayer that have brought you to this day.”
“Today, the Church recognises that journey and sends you forth in mission,” Bishop Fintan said.
Paul is the fourth person in our diocese to be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate. Paul will shortly receive an appointment from Bishop Fintan to ministry in our diocese as a deacon.
Bishop Fintan reminded the congregation at the Mass about the different dimensions of the ministry of a deacon.
“The ministry of the deacon in the Church is a ministry of service: service of the Word, service at the altar and service of charity. The deacon is a witness to Christ who came ‘not to be served but to serve’.”
Liturgical music at the Ordination was led by the combined choirs from Timoleague and Clogagh.
After the Mass, everyone was treated by the Timoleague parishioners to refreshments in the grounds of the Parochial House where the celebrations continued with warm hospitality in the summer sunshine.
