Diocese of Achonry

The Permanent Diaconate

In the foreword to Deacons: Ministers of Christ and of God’s Mysteries, (Veritas, 2010), edited by Dr. Gearóid Dullea (former National Co-ordinator of the Permanent Diaconate), Msgr. Dermot Farrell (National Director of the Permanent Diaconate) wrote that “one of the key fruits of the Second Vatican Council was the recovery of the role of all the baptised within the Church.” It is in this context that Vatican II decided to restore the Permanent Diaconate in the life of the Church “as a permanent and stable grade of the sacrament of Holy Orders” (cf. Lumen gentium, 29).

Dermot Farrell goes on to explain the nature and mission of the Permanent Deacon in the following way: “A deacon is ordained to assist the bishop, and work with his priests, as part of the threefold ancient ministry of the Church. The deacon’s ministry has a triple focus: (a) of the word – proclaiming, preaching, and teaching; (b) of the altar – in liturgy; and (c) of charity – in the care of the poor and the needy, in activating the social teaching of the Church, and in administration.”

The decision of the Irish Bishops to restore the Permanent Diaconate in Ireland means that the diocese of Achonry is now actively preparing for the reintroduction of permanent deacons into the life and fabric of the ministry and service of this ancient local church. The following links will provide you with information about the Permanent Diaconate in the Church in Ireland and in the Diocese of Achonry.

For further information, please feel free to contact Fr. Tomás Surlis, Director of Formation (Permanent Diaconate) - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 094-986 0010

The following documents are in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them.

1. Becoming a Permanent Deacon
2. I have given you an example
3. Parish Priest Reference
4. Employer Reference
5. Character Reference
6. Seminary Reference (If former seminarian)
7. Safeguarding Children
8. Application Form