23.09.2013
Joy and Hope as Deacons Ordained for Next Phase of Ministry
Five people embarked on the next stage of their journey of ministry on Sunday (September 22) when they were ordained to the diaconate by Archbishop Michael Jackson, in Christ Church Cathedral. There was standing room only in the cathedral as family and friends gathered to join the candidates in what the Archbishop described as a solemn occasion but also one of enjoyment and empowerment.
The Revd David Bowles is a native of Dublin and will be an intern deacon in Taney Parish. The Revd Linda Frost is originally from England but had been living in Roscommon and has been ordained for St Mary’s Church, Howth. The Revd Eugene Griffin lives in Foxrock and will be intern deacon in Rathfarnham parish. The Revd Ian Horner grew up in Greystones and is returning there to be intern deacon in St Patrick’s Church. The Revd Trevor Holmes lives in Dunboyne Union of Parishes and is will serve as intern deacon in Julianstown in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare.
The service took place on the same day as the All Ireland Football Final and, the preacher Canon Aisling Shine, said it seemed as if the whole of Mayo had descended on the capital to watch their county take on Dublin bringing with them an atmosphere of joy and hope.
However, she said that that was where the comparison between the 85,000 football fans in Croke Park and those attending the service of ordination ended. “While the All Ireland final is the end point for those going to Croke Park, this service is just part of the journey,” Canon Shine said. “We are all called to ministry. Ministry is not just for the clergy, it is for everyone. But the good news is we are not called to do this on our own.”
She stated that every deacon was ordained to serve and all clergy remained primarily deacons. However, Canon Shine said she had a problem with the verb to serve. Serving used to be considered the lowest of the low, she said. But today service was a modern buzz word with everyone from politicians to financial institutions keen to serve. She urged people to look instead at Matthew’s version of the word which suggested serving people any time, anywhere.
The preacher said that the vocation needed to be loved and cared for and cherished and added that the deacons could not do this for themselves. She said they would have the support of their families and friends but also needed support from their fellow clergy and the support and prayers of people in the parishes throughout their ministries.
Photo caption: The five candidates during their service of ordination to the diaconate in Christ Church Cathedral – Trevor Holmes, Linda Frost, David Bowles, Ian Horner and Eugene Griffin.