On Saturday 13th September hundreds of people gathered at St. Paul’s, Cantley, for a vibrant celebration at the ordination of Ken Agwuh as a new permanent deacon for the Diocese of Hallam.
Ken was ordained into the permanent diaconate by Bishop Ralph at a joyful ceremony attended by his brother deacons, priests and religious of the diocese, and hundreds of family, friends, and parishioners.
We were also treated to music and singing provided by a Yorkshire Nigerian choir.
The Rite of Ordination involved an Examination of the Candidate and a Promise of Obedience, before the entire congregation of St Paul’s was called upon to pray to all holy men and women through the Litany of the Saints. Bishop Ralph then proceeded with the Laying on of Hands and Prayer of Consecration, during which the grace of Holy Orders is both requested and conferred through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Deacon Ken was then vested with the diaconal vestments of a stole and dalmatic and presented with the Book of the Gospels with the words, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are.” The existing Deacons present then followed Bishop Ralph in greeting Deacon Ken with the Kiss of Peace before Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The occasion was one of great joy and spiritual significance for the diocese, as the Church continues to grow in its mission, through the dedication and witness of its ordained ministers.
As he begins his new life of ministry, Deacon Ken is immediately called into service – he will serve in his parish – and has a particular dedication to the diocesan Lourdes pilgrimage – living out his diaconal call of charity, liturgy and word.
Please join us in wishing Deacon Ken the very best as he begins his ministry and by keeping him, and all our permanent deacons, and this growing ministry, in our prayers. The diocese currently has four men in formation for this ministry. Tony Strike
