Three new permanent deacons ordained for Dublin

Patsy McGarry

Three men were ordained permanent deacons at Dublin’s Pro Cathedral last night by the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin.

Jimmy Fennell is a parishioner at St Agnes’s in Crumlin. He runs his own electrical repair business and has been actively involved in the Brú Youth Service in Crumlin. He also spent many years as an officer in the Naval Reserve,

Michael Giblin is from Knocklyon Co Dublin and is married to Eileen. They have three children. He is an IT manager and has been involved for many years in St Colmcille’s parish, including serving as chair of the parish pastoral council.

Derek Leonard is a parishioner of at Mochta’s, Porterstown, where he lives with his wife Orla and their son and daughter. A businessman, he has been involved in the parish faith-friends programme, helping children to prepare for Confirmation.

All the men completed three years of formation, including third-level studies in theology and life-long learning at Dublin’s Mater Dei Institute. They have also participated in residential weekends, focussed on the development of pastoral skills, and personal and spiritual growth.

Last year, and for the first time in many centuries, Dr Martin ordained eight men to the permanent deaconate in Dublin. Permanent deacons can assist the priest at the celebration of the Eucharist. They can celebrate baptism and officiate at marriages, and preside at funerals. They also visit the sick, prisoners and the bereaved and promote awareness of the social teaching of the church.