20th Anniversary of Ordination to the Diaconate
Our Deacons, Kingsley and Lawrence, were ordained by Bishop Emeritus Declan at Clifton Cathedral on 16th July 2005
Kingsley and Lawrence
Twenty years ago, you stood before God and the Church, and made a promise—to serve with humility, proclaim the Gospel with integrity, and live a life of charity, rooted in Christ. That day marked the beginning of a vocation that has shaped your souls in ways you could never have anticipated.
As you reflect on two decades of ordained ministry as deacons, we, your family and friends, are filled with gratitude—first and foremost to God, whose call you continue to answer each day. The diaconate is a ministry of service, not just in word, but in deed. It has taken you into hospital rooms and prison chapels, baptismal fonts and funeral homes, food pantries and sanctuaries—each place a sacred space where the presence of Christ is revealed in surprising and beautiful ways.
We think of the people who have allowed you to accompany them through moments of joy and sorrow. The marriages you’ve witnessed, the children you’ve baptized, the grieving families you’ve prayed with, the poor you’ve served. These are not just memories; they are sacred encounters that have left a lasting imprint on your hearts.
This anniversary is not about you, but about what God has done through your “yes”. It’s a chance to give thanks for the grace that has sustained you, especially in moments of doubt or fatigue. Ministry is not always easy—but it is always meaningful when it is rooted in love, prayer, and obedience to God’s will.
We are also deeply thankful for your family, your brother deacons, priests, and all the lay faithful who have supported and encouraged you along the way. The diaconate is not lived in isolation; it is a shared vocation, supported by a community of faith.
Looking to the future, we pray that you renew your commitment to serve with a listening heart, to be a bridge between the altar and the world, and to continue living out the Gospel in word and action. We pray that you may continue to serve faithfully and with joy.
To Christ the Servant, who is the model for all deacons — we give all glory and praise.
Well done, good and faithful servants! (Matthew 25:23)
