At the request of Bishop Christopher Jones, Justin Harkin, Director of Pastoral Development with the Elphin Diocese, is to make a presentation on the permanent diaconate at a series of meetings around the Elphin diocese. The request follows Bishop Jones’ decision to restore the permanent diaconate in the Elphin diocese in May 2008.
Justin’s PowerPoint presentation will incorporate the history, decline, restoration and contemporary evolution of the permanent diaconate worldwide and will be followed by opportunity for discussion.
In responding to the question: “Who do you hope to have at these meetings?” Justin said, “Everyone is welcome. I hope the presentation will prove insightful, particularly to people interested in the evolution of their parish. Women and men who are committed to particular ministries, e.g. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and Parish Pastoral Council members, will get a sense of where the deacon may fit in, how they will complement what is happening.”
Currently seven men from the Elphin diocese are half way through the first year of a three-year formation programme for the Permanent Diaconate. Moreover Justin completed the four-year formation programme undertaken by Scottish diaconal students last June.
All meetings are scheduled for 8 to 10 pm and the dates and venues are as follows: Tuesday February 9th, St. Anne’s School, Castlerea; Wednesday, February 10th, Percy French Hotel, Strokestown; Thursday, February 11th, Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone; Tuesday, February 23rd, The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon; Wednesday, February 24th, Gillooly Hall, Sligo; Thursday, February 25th, The Royal Hotel Boyle.
A donation of €5 towards related costs would be appreciated from those who can afford to contribute such a sum.
