Last September was an historic time for the Archdiocese of Armagh when five lay men were ordained to the Permanent Diaconate.  This weekend we have the joy of ordaining another five men for service as deacons. It is a clear and powerful sign that the Good Shepherd never leaves his Church untended or lacking in care.

The ordination of the second tranche of five candidates to the Permanent Diaconate will take place on Sunday, 14 September 2014 at 3.00 pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.

The five men to be ordained deacons are:

Philip Carder from Dundalk, Holy Redeemer Parish

Paul Casey from Haggardstown and Blackrock Parish

Dermot Clarke from Tallanstown Parish

Kevin Duffy from Clonoe Parish

Malachy McElmeel from Armagh Parish

We thank God for Philip, Paul, Dermot, Kevin and Malachy, and for their wives and families who have helped and supported them on their journey.  We congratulate them most warmly and ask Christ, the Good Shepherd, to bless them abundantly.  May their specific vocation assist them in their mission to hand on the faith and may they share their joy of the Gospel with others in their daily lives and work.

The ceremony will be at 3pm and can be watched live using this link.

In 2001 the Irish Episcopal Conference got the go ahead from the Vatican to restore the Permanent Diaconate in Ireland. In 2005 approval was received for the norms for Permanent Diaconate.

To learn more about the Permanent Diaconate within the Armagh Archdiocese click here.

Above is a photo from the Permanent Diaconate group ordained in 2013 for the Archdiocese.