New Deacon ordained

A Ballyconnell man was last week ordained as a Deacon for Kilmore Diocese.

Jordan MacGabhann from Ardue was ordained by Bishop Martin Hayes at a ceremony in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim last Thursday evening and is continuing on his journey to the priesthood.

A keen traditional musician, Jordan began his studies at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, after graduating from GMIT with a BA in Heritage Studies in 2017.

He has now been appointed a member of the parish team of Urney and Annagelliff serving the people of Cavan Town and surrounding areas.

After his ordination, Deacon MacGabhann will continue to minister in Cavan Town in preparation for ordination to priesthood.

An only son of Majella Smith, the young deacon attended primary school in Greaghrahan NS and St Bricin’s College, Belturbet.

In a time of declining vocations to the priesthood, Deacon Jordan said: “It’s an exciting time to be ordained in this special time of change. I look forward most especially to journeying with people in special life events of joy and sorrow such as baptisms, weddings, and bereavement.”

He added: “I am very proud and honoured to be ordained as a deacon for my native Kilmore diocese where I received the faith I now hold dear. My family, local community, and the priests who served in the parishes where I lived gave me the faith and I hope to make my own contribution to the life of faith of the people.”

In his homily, Bishop Hayes gave thanks for Deacon Jordan's vocation. “We continue to pray with him and for him as he continues his journey towards priesthood. We as a diocese are on a journey together to arrive at a clarity about the respective roles of bishop, priests, deacons, and lay ministers. We must discern the exercising of these ministries in collaboration with each other, and tease out, what co-responsibility means on the ground.”