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On Friday 16 September four men from across the diocese gathered with family, friends, fellow parishioners, diocesan deacons, and priests for Evening Prayer followed by Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, West Grinstead.

During Evening Prayer Bishop Richard welcomed Mike Deane from St Mary’s, Crowborough as a candidate for formation to the diaconate after a year of preparation and prayer. He was joined by his wife and parishioners - including his new parish priest, Fr Irek. Mike now begins his three years of formation partly at St Mary’s University, Twickenham before hopefully being ordained in 2025.

After a brief pause, Mass was celebrated with Bishop Richard joined by Fathers Irek Stadler, Paul Turner, Tony Lovegrove and Canon Tim Maddley, and Deacons Ian Moon, Ken Fowler and Dominic Dring.

Following Bishop Richard's homily, Paul Fisher from Sacred Heart in Cobham was instituted as an Acolyte to minister at the altar. Simon Tierney from Camberley parish and Ben William from St Pancras, Lewes were instituted as Lectors to minister God’s Word. All three are in formation for the diaconate at St Mary’s University, Twickenham with Paul ordained in 2023 and Simon and Ben ordained in 2024.

This year, three more men will begin a year of discernment for the diaconate as aspirants before hopefully beginning their formation in June 2023.

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With thanks to Deacon Mark Woods for sharing this story and photographs from the evening with us. Anyone interested in the diaconate should contact the Director of Formation, Deacon Tim Murrill here.

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