5 New Permanent Deacons were ordained in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh in a beautiful and very moving ceremony on Sunday 14th September by Archbishop Eamon Martin, one of his first duties as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland. They will now serve in five Parishes across the Archdiocese.

The Role of a Permanent Deacon:  

Liturgical

• Proclaiming the Gospel at Mass
• Preaching the homily
• Assisting the priest at Mass (Sign of Peace and Dismissal)
• Leading communion services, when need arises
• Bringing the Eucharist to the sick at home and in hospitals (nursing homes)
• Presiding at Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
• The celebration of Baptism
• Celebrating Marriages
• Presiding at Funerals - (also removals, reception of remains, burials)

Faith Development

• Participation in sacramental preparation programmes
• Formation of Ministers of the Eucharist
• Formation of Ministers of the Word
• Formation of Altar Servers
• Facilitating study of, and prayer with, the Scriptures
• Facilitating the development of lay ministry
• Chaplaincy to various parish groups
• School chaplaincy

Pastoral

• Visiting the sick
• Visiting prisoners
• Visiting the bereaved
• Youth Ministry
• Working  with the poor and the homeless
• Promoting awareness of the social teaching of the Church
• Promotion of justice and human rights