At 3.00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25th, we celebrate the Ordination of David Cooney to the Ministry of Deacon. As most of you will know, David has served in many ministries in our parish over the years. He will now serve in the ordained ministry of the Permanent Deacon to which he has generously offered himself. We pray every blessing upon him and his family as he celebrates this very special event. All are welcome to his Ordination Ceremony on January 25th in St. Paul’s Church and to refreshments in the Parish Centre afterwards.
The Permanent Deacon is called to a ministry of service. Like priests and bishops, he receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders. At the same time he is an ordained person living in the lifestyle of a lay person. The deacon’s service is threefold: service of the Word, service of the altar, and service of charity and justice. Like bishops and priests, the deacon is a member of the clergy, but he has a distinctive role. He helps the Bishop and priests in service to the People of God, proclaiming by his very life the Church’s call to serve the needs of others.
David’s ordination to the permanent Deaconate is the first in the history of our parish, literally a unique event for us. David becomes part of the continuous tradition of the diaconal ministry in the life of the Church, all the way back to St. Stephen, the first deacon. His call and response demonstrates the vitality of the living Church and the unfailing action of the Holy Spirit. May his life as a deacon bring him closer to God and his people. May his ministry bring the knowledge of God and the love of Christ to many people over the years to come.
David, on behalf of all our parishioners and friends, warmest congratulations to you and your family on your ordination. Every best wish for a fruitful and happy ministry.
– Fr. Pat, Fr Dawit, Sr. de Lourdes and the Parish Pastoral Council.