Bishop Larry Duffy, the Bishop of Clogher, has appointed Reverend Deacon Martin Donnelly to be the Director of the Diaconate in the Diocese of Clogher, with immediate effect. Deacon Martin, who is currently based in the Enniskillen / West Fermanagh Pastoral Area, will be the contact point for all enquiries about the diaconate, especially concerning enquiries regarding candidates for formation. Martin will also be liaising with the Down and Connor formation programme with which our diocese is aligned.
Announcing the appointment, Bishop Duffy highlighted the importance of having such a resource at diocesan level, as a point of contact and co-ordination, adding that ‘the Diaconate and diaconal service will be an important part of our future as we navigate the pathway of pastoral ministry into the future.’ He wished Deacon Martin every blessing in his new role.’
The ministry of the deacon has its origins in the earliest days of the Church (see Acts of the Apostles 6: 1-6). A deacon is an ordained minister of the Church; one who serves in the parish and in the wider community. The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) brought forward a renewal of ministry in the Church, for both lay and ordained – emphasising that by our baptism we are all called to participate in the saving work of Christ through our service to one another. Included in the wide range of ministries in the Church today is that of the permanent deacon, a ministry that includes married men. Among the duties carried out by the deacon in the parish is the preaching of the Word of God, assisting at the altar during the celebration of the Eucharist, presiding at baptisms and marriages as well as presiding at the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours or, as it is also known, the Prayer of the Church (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Night Prayer). Other aspects of the ministry include visiting the sick in hospital and at home, helping young people and adults prepare for the sacraments, working to establish and sustain good liturgical practices and assisting with parish administration and planning. Deacons may also be asked to play a role at diocesan level too.
To learn more about the permanent diaconate, visit: https://vocations.ie/permanent-diaconate/
Martin can be contacted as follows:
28 Church Street
Email: deacon@st-michaels.net
