Cavan resident to be ordained Deacon

Next Wednesday will see Paul Flynn ordained as a Deacon in Enniskillen.

The ceremony for the Lucan native will take place in St Michael's Church in Enniskillen, with the ordination being carried out by Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy.

He's the second Deacon to be ordained for the Diocese in the last four years.

Married to Angela and father to four children, Aisling, Peter, Leo, and Felicity, he and his family live in Cavan town.

Paul previously worked in financial services and has taught music and religion and is currently the chaplain to Mount Lourdes Grammar School, Enniskillen.

Ahead of the ordination, Bishop Duffy noted that "permanent deacons, as ordained ministers, are called by the Lord to be part of the Church’s response to the needs of a changing world. Deacons today, along with their families, make many sacrifices to be able to serve the People of God and for that we are very grateful. In particular, I pray for Paul, and I wish him, his wife Angela and their family every blessing for the future".

For almost 1,000 years the role of Deacon was reserved only for those working towards becoming Priests. However today, it is open to married and single men.

They can carry out differing roles, including preaching, assisting at the altar, performing baptisms, presiding at weddings and funerals and visiting the sick. Deacons also help with the preparation of people for the sacraments and with aspects of parish administration. While only men can be ordained Deacons at present, Pope Francis has set up an international commission to study the question of women Deacons.

Paul's ordination will be carried out by Bishop Larry Duffy in St Michael’s Church, Enniskillen in a liturgy which begins at 7pm. It can be viewed HERE.