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Diocesan deacons, clergy wives, and widows, gathered at The Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation at West Grinstead last Saturday, to celebrate the diaconal ministry and renew the promises of faithful service the deacons made at ordination.

Permanent deacons are men, aged thirty-five or over. Whether married or celibate, their ministry is one of service to the Church, and with the Church to the world, with a special concern for the poor and marginalised. There are approximately fifty Permanent Deacons across the Diocese, with around forty in active ministry. They play a vital role within our diocesan family and the communities they serve, with the majority in secular employment or retired.

Canon Tim Madeley, Rector of the Shrine, presided at Saturday’s Mass assisted by Deacons Colin Purchase and Bernard Hill. During his homily, Canon Tim reminded those assembled that looking through the lens of St Benedict, deacons are, like members of Benedictine communities, to be of service to each other and the wider community, always under obedience - which for deacons is to their bishop. To find out more about the diaconate, visit the Vocations page on our website.

Many thanks to Mark Woods for sharing this story with us.