Ordination Day!
On 28th September 2025, we became Deacons.
This first post is an opportunity for us to say thank you.
Firstly, we want to thank every single person who offered a prayer for us or wished us well. There were times for all of us when the journey was rough; we faced challenges, and it was your prayers that the Lord answered, giving us the strength to carry on. There are no words to express how thankful we are to you all.
We want to thank Archbishop Martin for conferring on us the Sacrament of Ordination and for his encouraging words. We also wish to thank our fellow Deacons and Priests who attended the ordination and have offered us support and advice throughout our formation.
We would not be in the position we are in today if it were not for the work of our formation team, who guided and supported us throughout the journey. They gave up so much of their time to bring us to where we are today. The team was always there to assist us in overcoming doubts and challenges, and they have assured us of their ongoing support.
We thank our spiritual directors from the Sisters of St. Clare order, who have helped guide us on the path and have helped us hear the message of Christ when the stress of study was causing difficulties. May the Lord reward you for this precious gift you have given us.
We want to thank those who assisted with the actual ceremony in the Cathedral of Sts. Patrick and Colman in Newry. Firstly, Canon Francis Brown, Administrator of Newry Parish, for the great amount of organisation he put into the ceremony; Fr. Carlos, for acting as MC and ensuring the day ran smoothly; the wonderful Cathedral Choir for the music, which added greatly to the ceremony; the Cathedral ushers who welcomed and seated the large crowds of people; the Knights of Columbanus for arranging and managing the car parking and for the guard of honour they gave us; and the members of our families who took part in the liturgy. It was wonderful to see them participating so actively.
We also thank the staff at the Canal Court Hotel for their excellent service; Sonlight Band, Cookstown, for the beautiful music that welcomed our family and guests to the hotel; Hugo Duncan, Boxcar Brian, and Brian for the music after the meal. The hotel and musicians provided us, as newly ordained Deacons, with the opportunity to thank all our guests who travelled to be with us on our ordination day.
Finally, and most importantly, we thank our families who have supported us over the years—through the many years of discernment for this vocation, the four years of study in formation, and for allowing us to be absent from family events. They stepped in to help reduce our workload so we could focus on our studies and follow God’s call. Our families have sacrificed a lot to enable us to live this life of ministry, and we thank them sincerely.
We hope we are not forgetting anyone; however, if we have, please accept our sincere apologies. To each and every person who helped us in any way to achieve our vocation, thank you.
May the good Lord bless and protect you and your families for your kindness.
Be assured of our sincere prayers,
Paddy, Daniel, and Brendan