Ministries Conferred on Candidates for the Permanent Diaconate

Six candidates for the Permanent Diaconate in the Clifton Diocese have taken a further step in their preparations towards possible ordination by receiving the ministries of Lector or Acolyte at a special Mass. Held on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception at St Gregory the Great in Cheltenham, Father John Blacker, presided at the Mass, representing Bishop Declan Lang in conferring the new ministries on the candidates.

The new acolytes are Joseph Philip from St Nicholas of Tolentino parish in Easton, Bristol, Kevin Stapleton from St Gerard Majella parish in Knowle, Bristol and Stephen Morgan, formerly of Warminster in the Clifton Diocese, who will be seeking ordination in the Portsmouth Diocese next year.

The acolyte’s ministry includes assisting the Priest and the Deacon at the altar during the celebration of Mass, distributing Holy Communion and also exposing the Blessed Sacrament for adoration.

Our pictured shows Barry Taylor (St Joseph’s, Tewkesbury), Brendan Vaughan-Spruce (St Gregory the Great, Cheltenham) and David Brinn (St Catharine’s, Frome) who were instituted as Lectors. Handing them the Holy Scriptures, the candidates were asked to “be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His People”.

The ministry of Lector includes not only the proclaiming of the Scriptures in the liturgy but also in preparing other ministers for this purpose and in preparing people to receive the Sacraments.

A large congregation, of local parishioners and those from the parishes of the candidates were joined by many friends and members of the diaconal family of our diocese for the celebration.

Deacon Mark Forge