Thirty Deacons from across the Archdiocese gathered on Saturday 6 June at St Chad's Cathedral for their annual Mass, which was celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley.
 
He was supported during the Mass by Canon Brian McGinley, Dean of the Cathedral. The Servers were drawn from the men who are in Formation for the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese, some of whom will themselves be Ordained in July.

The Mass of Renewal for Deacons brings together Permanent Deacons, their wives and families, to celebrate their ministry and renew the promises of faithful service they made at ordination.
 
As part of the service Archbishop Bernard led the Renewal of Commitment to Diaconal Service - inviting the deacons to renew their own dedication.
 
There are approximately 80 Permanent Deacons across the Archdiocese, with around 60 in active ministry, and they all play a vital role within the Diocesan family and the communities they serve.
 
Permanent deacons are mature men, aged 35 or over, married or celibate, who by virtue of their ordination are members of the clergy. The word 'deacon' means servant. Their ministry is one of service to the Church, and with the Church to the world, with a special concern of the poor and marginalised. The majority are in secular employment or retired.
 
Deacons are ordained to the ministry of service, which from the early days of the Church has been characteristically associated with the service of those in need in society. The diaconate as a permanent Order in the Church was restored following the Second Vatican Council, and the ministry of the deacon must always respond to the needs of his time and place.
 
If you would like to find out more, please contact the Director for the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Deacon Leo Poole. [email protected]
 
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