Deacon’s ordination a family occasion
It was very much a family occasion as Cavan’s Paul Flynn was ordained as a deacon in Enniskillen last week.
A father of four, he was joined by his family as Bishop Larry Duffy ordained him a deacon of the Diocese of Clogher at a special ceremony in St Michael’s Church.
Bishop Duffy highlighted that the ordination coincided with the Feast of the Presentation, and said the feast day challenged us to be “the light of Christ in actions and attitudes”.
“One of the mysteries of our faith is that God calls weak human beings to work in his name. We see it with Abraham, David, the prophets, the Apostles and men and women down to today. God’s call changes plans and directions of many lives,” the Bishop observed.
He outlined some of the duties a deacon may perform, which include assisting a priest at celebration of the Eucharist, presiding at exposition and Benediction, celebrating baptism, marriage and presiding at funerals. He can also proclaim the Gospel and preach the homily, can visit and bring communion to the sick, and support the bereaved.
“So, you can see the Permanent Deacon is a blessing on the Christian Community,” concluded Bishop Duffy. “This evening is Paul Flynn’s presentation. We pray that his ordination and his service as a Deacon brings blessing and salvation on all he encounters.”
“We thank you Paul, Angela, Aisling, Peter, Leo and Felicity, and the extended family too for your generosity of spirit. We pray that all of you will continue to be blessed by God in the days ahead.”
Paul’s family was heavily involved in the joyous occasion as his father-in-law Peter Howard was among the readers, while in the vesting of the new deacon his stole was provided by his wife Angie Flynn, while the dalmatic was brought by his father, Dermot Flynn.
Bishop-Emeritus of Kilmore Leo O’Reilly also attended, while Very Rev Dean Kenny Hall, Church of Ireland Dean of Clogher was a special guest. The ordination followed the completion by Paul of four years of discernment and formation.
Paul, who lives in the parish of Urney and Annageliffe, Cavan Town, is an acclaimed musician, and as such the liturgical music formed an important part of the ceremony, under the direction of Sharon Kelly. The Litany Cantor was Revd Canon Paul Arbuthnot with St Michael’s Parish choirs and organists Caecilia Bastian and Jonathan Beaty providing the music. Guest organist was Simon Harden of TU Dublin Conservatoire.
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